Aurinia Pharmaceuticals announced on May 18, 2026, the successful completion of its tender offer for Kezar Life Sciences. The offer, which expired on May 15, 2026, resulted in Aurinia acquiring approximately 73% of Kezar's outstanding shares, according to a press release.
The acquisition is part of Aurinia's strategy to expand its pipeline in autoimmune diseases. Kezar Life Sciences is known for its work on KZR-616, a selective immunoproteasome inhibitor currently in clinical trials for lupus nephritis and other autoimmune conditions.
Under the terms of the offer, Kezar shareholders received $1.50 per share in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Aurinia plans to integrate Kezar's operations and advance the development of KZR-616.
