aTyr Pharma to Present Efzofitimod Mechanism Poster at ATS 2024

aTyr Pharma, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology firm listed on Nasdaq under the ticker LIFE, has announced its intention to present new data regarding its leading therapeutic candidate, efzofitimod, at the upcoming American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2024 International Conference in San Diego, California. The event is scheduled to occur from May 17-22, 2024.

The company's President and CEO, Sanjay S. Shukla, M.D., M.S., highlighted the significance of these findings. He emphasized that efzofitimod uniquely modulates myeloid cells, providing anti-inflammatory benefits observed in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, a prevalent form of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Dr. Shukla expressed confidence in efzofitimod's potential as a transformative treatment for ILD, particularly pulmonary sarcoidosis, which is currently the focus of a pivotal Phase 3 study.

The presentation, entitled "Efzofitimod is an Immunomodulator of Myeloid Cell Function and Novel Therapeutic Candidate for Interstitial Lung Diseases," will offer insights into how efzofitimod selectively binds to neuropilin-2 (NRP2). This cell surface receptor is notably upregulated at active inflammation sites, particularly on myeloid cells. Efzofitimod's interaction with NRP2 modulates the differentiation of monocyte-derived macrophages in both healthy donors and ILD patients, resulting in a phenotype with reduced inflammatory potential.

Moreover, the data supports the identification of NRP2 as a crucial new immune target. Higher NRP2 expression has been detected on circulating monocytes from ILD patients compared to healthy donors and on macrophages within pulmonary sarcoidosis granulomas and other tissues affected by chronic inflammatory diseases. These findings suggest that efzofitimod might have broad therapeutic applications in diseases where myeloid cells are central to the pathology, such as ILD.

Efzofitimod is a first-in-class biologic immunomodulator currently in clinical development for treating interstitial lung disease (ILD), a group of immune-mediated disorders that cause lung inflammation and fibrosis. The drug is derived from tRNA synthetase and selectively modulates activated myeloid cells through NRP2, reducing inflammation without suppressing the immune system and potentially preventing fibrosis progression. Efzofitimod is currently being studied in the global Phase 3 EFZO-FIT™ trial for patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ trial for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma)-related ILD. These ILD forms have limited therapeutic options, highlighting the need for safer, more effective disease-modifying treatments.

aTyr Pharma leverages evolutionary intelligence to translate tRNA synthetase biology into new therapies targeting fibrosis and inflammation. tRNA synthetases are essential proteins that have evolved to regulate various extracellular pathways in humans. The company's discovery platform focuses on uncovering signaling pathways driven by its proprietary library of domains derived from all 20 tRNA synthetases. Efzofitimod, aTyr’s lead therapeutic candidate, is a first-in-class biologic immunomodulator in clinical development for ILD treatment. This group of immune-mediated disorders can cause lung inflammation and progressive fibrosis.