Oxford Finance closed a $50 million senior secured term loan with Kezar Life Sciences, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing breakthrough treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders.

Proceeds from the transaction will be used for general growth capital and for further advancement of the Company’s clinical candidates, KZR-616 and KZR-261.

Founded in 2015, Kezar uses cutting-edge science to develop breakthrough treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders – with the hope of helping people overcome their disease and live a better life. The Company is pioneering first-in-class, small molecule therapies that harness master regulators of cellular function to inhibit multiple drivers of disease via single, powerful targets.

“Kezar is led by a highly skilled management team with extensive, scientific expertise in immunology and oncology. The Company is positioned to tackle the toughest diseases through innovative small molecule therapies that unlock the potential for profound therapeutic benefits,” said Christopher A. Herr, senior managing director at Oxford. “Oxford is proud to support a company dedicated to providing a new, hopeful approach to those affected by autoimmune disease and cancer.”

“This non-dilutive strategic financing, together with our current cash, strengthens our balance sheet as we advance our clinical programs and overall platform for patients affected by a range of immune-mediated and oncologic diseases,” said Marc Belsky, chief financial officer of Kezar Life Sciences. “Importantly, this facility provides us with greater financial and operational flexibility as we approach top-line data readouts for KZR-616 in the second quarter of 2022.”