Kezar Life Sciences Stock Price, News & Analysis

Kezar Life Sciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced that Dr. Noreen Roth Henig, Chief Medical Officer, will participate in a panel at the William Blair Biotech Focus Conference in New York on July 13, 2022, at 11:00 am ET. The panel will discuss developing therapies against novel targets in autoimmune diseases. Kezar is focused on breakthrough treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders, with its lead asset, Zetomipzomib, currently in Phase 2 trials for lupus nephritis.

Kezar Life Sciences announced the grant of nonqualified stock options to three employees, covering a total of 24,500 shares at an exercise price of $9.29 per share, aligned with the stock's closing price on July 1, 2022. These options are part of the company’s 2022 Inducement Plan and will vest over four years, with 25% vesting after the first year. Kezar focuses on breakthrough treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders, including a Phase 2 trial for Zetomipzomib in lupus nephritis and a Phase 1 trial for KZR-261 targeting solid tumors.

Kezar Life Sciences (NASDAQ: KZR) announced positive topline results from the MISSION Phase 2 clinical trial of zetomipzomib, a selective immunoproteasome inhibitor for lupus nephritis (LN). Out of 17 patients, 64.7% achieved a significant renal response, with 35.2% attaining complete renal response. The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile, reducing prednisone usage significantly. Improvements were also noted in extra-renal disease activity associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for today at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: KZR) announced the granting of nonqualified stock options to three employees, enabling them to purchase 12,000 shares at an exercise price of $4.86 per share, which matches the stock's closing price on June 1, 2022. The options will vest over four years, providing incentives for continued employment. This move adheres to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) as an inducement for new hires.

Kezar Life Sciences reported its Q1 2022 financial results and business updates, highlighting a cash reserve of $242.6 million as of March 31, 2022. The company is preparing to release topline data from the Phase 2 MISSION trial for zetomipzomib in lupus nephritis in June 2022. KZR-261 is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 1 trial for solid tumors. However, the company experienced a net loss of $16.0 million, increasing from $13.0 million in the previous year, reflecting rising operational costs.

Kezar Life Sciences announced the granting of nonqualified stock options for 29,000 shares to two employees, with an exercise price of $12.54 per share, corresponding to its closing price on May 2, 2022. These options will vest over four years, starting with 25% after one year and the remainder vesting monthly. This move follows Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and is part of Kezar's strategy to attract talent while continuing to develop therapies for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders.

Kezar Life Sciences announced topline results from the PRESIDIO Phase 2 trial of zetomipzomib (KZR-616) in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis. While most patients showed improvements in the Total Improvement Score, there was no significant differentiation from the placebo group. The drug demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with mild-to-moderate adverse events. Cash reserves stand at approximately $253 million as of April 30, 2022. Results from the ongoing MISSION Phase 2 trial in lupus nephritis are expected in June 2022, maintaining optimism for the drug’s potential.

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: KZR) has granted a nonqualified stock option to an employee for 100,000 shares at an exercise price of $15.44, aligning with the stock's closing price on April 13, 2022. This option is part of an inducement award critical to the individual’s employment and will vest over four years, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary, followed by monthly vesting. Kezar specializes in developing innovative treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders, focusing on first-in-class therapies like Zetomipzomib and KZR-261.

Kezar Life Sciences reported strong progress in 2021, achieving target enrollment for Phase 2 trials of KZR-616, now named zetomipzomib. The company has $208.4 million in cash and equivalents as of December 31, 2021, up from $140.4 million in 2020. Although net loss widened to $54.6 million for the year, R&D expenses increased significantly due to advancements in clinical programs. Topline data from the MISSION and PRESIDIO trials is expected in Q2 2022, and a new Phase 1 trial for KZR-261 has been initiated, indicating ongoing development momentum.