02:44 PM EDT, 10/17/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Kezar Life Sciences ( KZR ) said Thursday the Independent Data Monitoring Committee has recommended the Portola phase 2a trial of zetomipzomib in patients with autoimmune hepatitis to proceed without modification following its review.

Kezar said the trial, which is being conducted in the US, has so far not shown any grade 4 or 5 serious adverse events. It is looking to report topline data in the first half of 2025.

The company, meanwhile, said it would discontinue the Palizade phase 2b trial of zetomipzomib in patients with active lupus nephritis and focus on developing the drug for autoimmune hepatitis. The decision followed the IDMC's assessment of four fatal serious adverse events in the Philippines and Argentina, Kezar said.

Shares of the company were down more than 8% in recent trading.

Price: 0.82, Change: -0.08, Percent Change: -8.48