aTyr Pharma cuts workforce 60% to focus on efzofitimod in lung disease
The company is awaiting FDA feedback by late August 2026 on its planned Phase 3 pulmonary sarcoidosis trial while restructuring to preserve cash into late 2028.
aTyr Pharma announced on August 7, 2026 second quarter results alongside a workforce reduction of approximately 60% and program prioritization intended to conserve capital and align resources on its efzofitimod program in interstitial lung disease.1
The restructuring comes as the company awaits regulatory input on its lead program. aTyr is anticipating comments from the FDA on the protocol for its planned Phase 3 study of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis, having submitted the protocol in June 2026 and expecting feedback by the end of August 2026.1 The planned trial is described as a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating efzofitimod versus placebo in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary sarcoidosis, a 54-week study dosing 5.0 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for 17 doses, intended to enroll up to approximately 372 patients, with a primary endpoint of change from baseline in forced vital capacity at week 48.1
On the SSc-ILD side, enrollment has been completed in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT study of efzofitimod in SSc-ILD, with topline results expected in the first quarter of 2027.1 That study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 28-week trial with three cohorts randomized 2:2:1 to 270 mg or 450 mg efzofitimod or placebo, dosed monthly for six doses, and enrolled 23 patients at multiple U.S. centers.1
Executive changes accompany the restructuring: CFO Jill Broadfoot will step down as of September 30, 2026 and transition to a consulting role, with Brandon Yaras, currently Vice President of Finance, appointed CFO effective October 1, 2026.1 General Counsel Nancy Denyes will also step down as of September 30, 2026 and become a consultant, per the release.
On finances, aTyr ended the second quarter of 2026 with $58.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments, with cash runway extending into late 2028 based on current operations.1 The company said future development of efzofitimod in the planned Phase 3 pulmonary sarcoidosis study will require additional capital through equity or debt offerings, grants, collaborations, partnerships, or licensing.1
Written by readthrough’s AI from the linked primary sources and fact-checked against them automatically before publishing. Not investment advice.