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Company Description
The ticker symbol LIFE historically represented aTyr Pharma, Inc. on the Nasdaq Capital Market. According to company disclosures, aTyr is a clinical stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of first-in-class medicines from its proprietary tRNA synthetase platform. The company focuses on translating tRNA synthetase biology into new therapies for fibrosis and inflammation, a group of conditions characterized by immune-mediated processes that can lead to tissue damage and scarring.
aTyr describes tRNA synthetases as ancient, essential proteins that have evolved novel domains regulating diverse pathways extracellularly in humans. The company’s discovery platform centers on a proprietary library of domains derived from all 20 tRNA synthetases, which it uses to uncover signaling pathways and identify new therapeutic intervention points. This platform underpins its pipeline of product candidates targeting diseases where immune dysregulation, fibrosis, and inflammation are central features.
The company’s lead therapeutic candidate is efzofitimod, which aTyr characterizes as a first-in-class biologic immunomodulator in clinical development for the treatment of interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILD is described as a group of immune-mediated disorders that can cause inflammation and progressive fibrosis, or scarring, of the lungs. aTyr reports that efzofitimod is a tRNA synthetase-derived therapy that selectively modulates activated myeloid cells through neuropilin-2 (NRP2), a cell surface receptor upregulated at active sites of inflammation. By engaging NRP2, efzofitimod is intended to resolve inflammation without broad immune suppression and potentially prevent the progression of fibrosis.
aTyr states that it is investigating efzofitimod in a global Phase 3 study, known as EFZO-FIT™, in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, which it identifies as a major form of ILD. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis, with a primary endpoint focused on steroid reduction and secondary endpoints that include measures of lung function and sarcoidosis symptoms. The trial incorporates a forced steroid taper and monthly intravenous dosing over a 52-week period.
In addition to pulmonary sarcoidosis, aTyr reports that efzofitimod is being evaluated in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ study in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)-related ILD. This proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is designed to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of efzofitimod in this patient population. Both pulmonary sarcoidosis and systemic sclerosis-related ILD are described by the company as having limited therapeutic options and a need for safer and more effective, disease-modifying treatments that improve outcomes.
aTyr has also described research activities beyond efzofitimod. For example, the company has presented data on ATYR0750, which involves an alanyl-tRNA synthetase fragment that binds selectively to FGFR4 and induces morphological changes and downstream signaling in liver cells with functional similarities to FGF2. This work illustrates how aTyr applies its tRNA synthetase platform to identify and characterize new biological interactions that may be relevant to disease.
In May 2024, aTyr announced that it would present data describing efzofitimod’s mechanism of action at a major scientific conference. The company reported findings that efzofitimod, by selectively binding NRP2, modulates the differentiation of monocyte-derived macrophages in both healthy donors and ILD patients, resulting in a phenotype with reduced inflammatory potential. Higher expression of NRP2 was observed on circulating monocytes from ILD patients compared to healthy donors and on macrophages within pulmonary sarcoidosis granulomas and other tissues from chronic inflammatory diseases. Based on these data, aTyr suggests that efzofitimod may have broader therapeutic potential in diseases where myeloid cells play a central role in pathology.
aTyr has provided periodic corporate updates through press releases and SEC filings, including financial results and progress on its clinical programs. For example, in its first quarter 2024 update, the company highlighted continued enrollment in the EFZO-FIT™ and EFZO-CONNECT™ studies and reiterated its focus on efzofitimod as its lead therapeutic candidate. The company has also referenced an Individual Patient Expanded Access Program for patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis who complete the EFZO-FIT™ study and wish to receive efzofitimod outside of the clinical trial setting, subject to applicable conditions.
On June 3, 2024, aTyr announced that it would change its Nasdaq ticker symbol from “LIFE” to “ATYR”, with the change effective at the market open on June 5, 2024. The company stated that the new ticker symbol reflects its corporate identity and is intended to clarify and enhance its visibility among stakeholders. aTyr also noted that its common stock would continue to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and that its CUSIP would remain unchanged. As a result, the symbol LIFE now represents the historical ticker for aTyr Pharma, while the company’s current trading symbol is ATYR.
Investors researching the LIFE symbol are therefore looking at the historical designation for aTyr Pharma on Nasdaq. For current trading information and ongoing disclosures, aTyr directs attention to its shares listed under the symbol ATYR and to its SEC filings, which include periodic reports and current reports such as Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A that describe financial results and other material events.
Historical role of LIFE as a ticker symbol
The LIFE ticker served as the identifier for aTyr Pharma’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market prior to the June 2024 symbol change. During this period, aTyr communicated its strategy of leveraging evolutionary insights into tRNA synthetase biology to develop therapies targeting fibrosis and inflammation. The company’s disclosures emphasized efzofitimod’s development in ILD, including pulmonary sarcoidosis and systemic sclerosis-related ILD, and described ongoing clinical trials designed to evaluate its safety and efficacy.
As a clinical stage biotechnology company, aTyr has highlighted that its programs are subject to the inherent uncertainties of drug development, including clinical trial outcomes, regulatory review, and funding requirements. These considerations are reflected in the risk factor and forward-looking statement sections of its public communications and SEC filings.