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KEZAR LIFE SCIENCES INC (ticker: KZR) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in South San Francisco, California. As of October 17, 2025, its shares traded on the NASDAQ at $5.83, reflecting a 39.81% increase on a volume of 619,308 shares. The company focuses on small-molecule therapies for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders, utilizing selective immunoproteasome and Sec61 inhibition to modulate key intracellular regulators of disease.
| Ticker | Exchange | Price (10/17/2025) | Change (%) | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KZR | NASDAQ | $5.83 | +39.81% | 619,308 |
Corporate Structure and Leadership
Founded in 2015, Kezar Life Sciences employs between 11 and 50 staff members. Its executive team brings a mix of academic and industry experience:
- Christopher Kirk, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, previously led research at Onyx Pharmaceuticals and co-invented carfilzomib (KYPROLISâ˘).
- Marc L. Belsky, Chief Financial Officer, is a certified public accountant with prior roles at Five Prime Therapeutics and Cell Genesys.
- Mark Schiller, Chief Operations Officer, has held legal leadership positions at Immune Design and 3-V Biosciences.
- Neel K. Anand, DPhil, Senior Vice President of Research and Drug Discovery, has over 20 years of experience in discovery chemistry from Nektar Therapeutics and Exelixis.
Biotechnology by Sangharsh Lohakare
Recent Developments
On August 13, 2025, Kezar filed its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, detailing continued investment in research and development, as well as updates on clinical programs. On September 8, 2025, a Schedule 13G disclosed that Stonepine Capital entities held 377,240 shares, representing 5.2% of the 7,323,106 shares outstanding as of August 8, 2025. On October 16, 2025, Kezar submitted an 8-K (Acc-no: 0001628280-25-045215) covering current report items related to corporate transactions and governance updates.
In 2025, Kezar announced its participation in the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference and the 27th Annual H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference. On September 15, 2025, CEO Christopher Kirk participated in a fireside chat at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference in New York City, which was available via webcast. On March 1, 2025, the company released topline data from the PORTOLA Phase 2a trial evaluating zetomipzomib in autoimmune hepatitis alongside its fourth-quarter and year-end 2024 financial results.
Financial and Strategic Analysis
The June 30, 2025, 10-Q filing indicated rising research and development expenses associated with the advancement of KZR-616, the companyâs selective immunoproteasome inhibitor. Kezarâs balance sheet reflects cash reserves allocated to support ongoing trials in autoimmune and oncologic indications. The Schedule 13G filed by Stonepine Capital suggests significant interest from institutional investors in Kezarâs mid-stage pipeline and long-term development.
Strategically, Kezar is advancing multiple assets:
- KZR-616, targeting a range of autoimmune diseases through immune modulation instead of broad immunosuppression.
- KZR-540, an oral selective Sec61 inhibitor that down-regulates PD-1.
- Further proprietary programs leveraging master regulators of cellular function.
Market Position and Industry Context
Within the biotechnology sector, Kezar operates at the intersection of immunology and oncology drug discovery. Its focus on small molecules that modulate intracellular targets distinguishes it from biologic-based approaches and positions the company in emerging areas of immune modulation. Kezarâs pipeline addresses conditions with unmet medical needs, such as autoimmune hepatitis, while its leadershipâs experience in proteasome inhibitor development aligns with interest from investors and potential partners in innovative therapies.
tl;dr
On October 17, 2025, KZR shares closed at $5.83 (+39.81%). The company filed an 8-K on October 16 and reported Q2 results in an August 13 Form 10-Q. Stonepine Capital holds a 5.2% stake according to the September 8 Schedule 13G. Clinical highlights include PORTOLA Phase 2a data for zetomipzomib announced March 1, 2025. Kezar continues its investor engagement through presentations at the Wells Fargo, H.C. Wainwright, and Jefferies conferences. Upcoming catalysts include detailed trial readouts and year-end financial disclosures.
