SAN DIEGO, August 7, 2026
aTyr Pharma reported its second quarter 2026 results and announced a corporate restructuring designed to prioritize efzofitimod, its lead investigational therapy for interstitial lung disease (ILD). The company is awaiting FDA feedback by the end of August 2026 on the protocol for a planned global Phase 3 study in pulmonary sarcoidosis. aTyr also confirmed completion of enrollment in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ study evaluating efzofitimod in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), with topline results expected in the first quarter of 2027. As part of the restructuring, the company plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 60%, with the changes expected to lower annualized operating expenses by approximately $13 million beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026.
aTyr Awaits FDA Feedback on Planned Phase 3 Sarcoidosis Study
aTyr submitted the protocol for its planned Phase 3 study of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis to the FDA in June 2026 and expects regulatory feedback by the end of August. The proposed global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is expected to enroll approximately 372 patients with symptomatic pulmonary sarcoidosis and restrictive lung disease. Patients would receive 5.0 mg/kg efzofitimod or placebo intravenously once every three weeks for 17 doses over a 54-week study period. The primary endpoint is planned to assess the change from baseline in forced vital capacity (FVC) at Week 48, while a key secondary endpoint will evaluate the King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire-Lung score.
EFZO-CONNECT™ Enrollment Completed in SSc-ILD
The company has completed enrollment in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ study, which is evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of efzofitimod in patients with limited or diffuse systemic sclerosis-associated ILD. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 23 patients across multiple U.S. sites. Participants were randomized to receive 270 mg or 450 mg of efzofitimod or placebo through monthly intravenous dosing for six doses. Topline results are expected in the first quarter of 2027, providing an important clinical milestone for the efzofitimod program.
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Corporate Restructuring Targets Capital Efficiency
To concentrate resources on efzofitimod and preserve capital for its late-stage development, aTyr announced a workforce reduction of approximately 60% along with additional cost-saving measures. The company expects the restructuring to reduce annualized operating expenses by approximately $13 million beginning in Q4 2026. CFO Jill Broadfoot and General Counsel Nancy Denyes are also scheduled to step down from their current positions on September 30, 2026, with both transitioning to consulting roles. Brandon Yaras, currently Vice President of Finance, is expected to become CFO effective October 1, 2026.
Cash Runway Extends Into Late 2028
aTyr ended the second quarter with $58.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and investments. Based on its revised operating plan, the company expects its current resources to support operations into late 2028. However, aTyr noted that advancing efzofitimod into the planned Phase 3 pulmonary sarcoidosis study will require additional capital, potentially through equity or debt financing, grants, collaborations, strategic partnerships, or licensing arrangements. The company also reported $6.7 million in R&D expenses and $4.1 million in G&A expenses for the second quarter of 2026.
Source: aTyr Pharma, release
