Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. announced that it was informed via teleconference with the FDA that the zetomipzomib Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN) has been placed on clinical hold. This action follows Kezar’s communication to the FDA that Kezar was voluntarily suspending enrollment and dosing in its Phase 2b PALIZADE clinical trial of zetomipzomib in patients with active LN at the recommendation of the trial’s Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC). The IDMC’s recommendation followed their review of emerging safety data, including an assessment of four Grade 5 (fatal) serious adverse events (SAEs) that have occurred during the course of the trial in patients enrolled in the Philippines and Argentina. The FDA indicated that they will provide an official clinical hold letter to Kezar within 30 days.
“We are steadfastly committed to patient safety and have directed our efforts to investigating these cases as we look to continue the zetomipzomib development program,” said Chris Kirk, PhD, Kezar’s Chief Executive Officer. “At this time, our zetomipzomib IND for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis is unaffected. Our Phase 2a PORTOLA clinical trial of zetomipzomib in patients with autoimmune hepatitis remains active, and we have not observed any Grade 4 or 5 SAEs in the PORTOLA trial to date.”
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