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aTyr Pharma (NASDAQ: ATYR) details Q1 2026 loss and Phase 3 plan

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8-K

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aTyr Pharma, Inc. reported first quarter 2026 results and outlined next steps for its lead drug efzofitimod in interstitial lung disease. The company plans to submit an IND in June 2026 for a global Phase 3 pulmonary sarcoidosis study and is on track to complete enrollment in its Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT SSc-ILD trial in the first half of 2026.

aTyr ended the quarter with $68.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments. Net loss attributable to aTyr was $10.8 million, compared with $14.9 million a year earlier, with net loss per share of $0.11 versus $0.17 in 2025. Research and development expenses were $7.3 million and general and administrative expenses were $4.1 million for the quarter.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • None.
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Cash & investments $68.3 million Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments as of March 31, 2026
Net loss Q1 2026 $10.8 million Net loss attributable to aTyr Pharma, Inc. for quarter ended March 31, 2026
Net loss Q1 2025 $14.9 million Net loss attributable to aTyr Pharma, Inc. for quarter ended March 31, 2025
Net loss per share 2026 $0.11 Basic and diluted net loss per share for Q1 2026
Net loss per share 2025 $0.17 Basic and diluted net loss per share for Q1 2025
R&D expenses Q1 2026 $7.3 million Research and development expenses for quarter ended March 31, 2026
Total assets $79.7 million Total assets as of March 31, 2026
Total stockholders’ equity $57.7 million Total stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2026
pulmonary sarcoidosis medical
"continue development of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis following Type C meeting"
Pulmonary sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition in which small clusters of immune cells form in the lungs, creating patchy areas that can interfere with breathing and, over time, cause scarring. Investors should care because its course and severity affect demand for respiratory drugs, the design and outcome of clinical trials, regulatory and safety assessments, and healthcare costs—similar to how recurring potholes in a road change repair needs and vehicle performance.
interstitial lung disease (ILD) medical
"major form of interstitial lung disease (ILD), following our recent Type C meeting"
A group of lung conditions that cause progressive scarring and stiffening of the tissue that transfers oxygen into the blood, making breathing harder over time. Investors should care because interstitial lung disease can drive clinical trial design, safety concerns, regulatory scrutiny, long-term treatment markets, and potential liability exposure for drug developers and device makers—think of it as damage to a sponge that reduces its ability to soak up air.
investigational new drug (IND) regulatory
"plans to file an investigational new drug (IND) application next month for a new Phase 3 study"
An investigational new drug (IND) is a drug or biologic that is being tested but has not yet been approved for general use; it is the application and formal status that allows a company to begin human clinical trials under regulator oversight. Investors care because an IND marks the transition from lab work to human testing — like getting a permit to run real-world experiments — which creates important milestones, costs, timelines and regulatory risk that drive a development-stage company's value.
forced vital capacity (FVC) medical
"utilizing forced vital capacity (FVC) as the primary endpoint of the study"
Forced vital capacity (FVC) is the total amount of air a person can forcefully exhale after taking the deepest breath possible, measured during a simple breathing test. Investors care because changes in FVC are a common, straightforward measure used in clinical trials and regulatory evaluations for respiratory drugs and devices, acting like a yardstick that shows whether a treatment is improving lung capacity or slowing disease progression.
King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ)-Lung medical
"King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ)-Lung score as a key secondary endpoint"
A patient-reported questionnaire that measures how lung-related symptoms of sarcoidosis affect daily life and well-being; it asks patients to rate breathing difficulties, cough, fatigue and how these problems limit activities. For investors, scores provide a standardized way to judge whether a drug or device meaningfully improves patients’ lives, which can influence clinical trial success, regulatory decisions and market acceptance — like a customer satisfaction score for treatments.
Phase 3 EFZO-FIT medical
"Type C meeting with the FDA to review the results of the Phase 3 EFZO-FIT study"
Net loss attributable to aTyr Pharma, Inc. $10.8 million improved from $14.9 million in Q1 2025
Net loss per share, basic and diluted $0.11 improved from $0.17 in Q1 2025
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments $68.3 million down from $80.9 million at December 31, 2025
false000133997000013399702026-05-152026-05-15

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 15, 2026

 

ATYR PHARMA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

001-37378

20-3435077

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

10240 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 300

San Diego, CA

 

 

 

92121

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (858) 731-8389

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligations of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

ATYR

The Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 


 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On May 15, 2026, aTyr Pharma, Inc. issued a press release announcing financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information under this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

Description

99.1

 

Press Release, dated May 15, 2026

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 

2


 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

ATYR PHARMA, INC.

By:

/s/ Jill M. Broadfoot

Jill M. Broadfoot

Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: May 15, 2026

 

 

3


Exhibit 99.1

img137952089_0.gif

 

 

 

Contact:

 

Ashlee Dunston

 

Sr. Director, Investor Relations and Public Affairs

adunston@atyrpharma.com

 

 

aTyr Pharma Announces First Quarter 2026 Results and Provides Corporate Update

Company to continue development of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis following Type C meeting with the FDA.

Company plans to submit an IND in June 2026 for a Phase 3 study of efzofitimod in patients with chronic, symptomatic pulmonary sarcoidosis with restrictive lung disease utilizing FVC as primary endpoint and KSQ-Lung as key secondary endpoint.

On track to complete enrollment in Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ study of efzofitimod in SSc-ILD in the first half of 2026.

Ended the first quarter 2026 with $68.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments.

SAN DIEGO – May 15, 2026 – aTyr Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATYR) (“aTyr” or the “Company”), a clinical stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of first-in-class medicines from its proprietary tRNA synthetase platform, today announced first quarter 2026 results and provided a corporate update.

“2026 is off to a productive start, as we now have a clear path forward for efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis, a major form of interstitial lung disease (ILD), following our recent Type C meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” said Sanjay S. Shukla, M.D., M.S., President and Chief Executive Officer of aTyr. “Based on feedback from the FDA, we plan to file an investigational new drug (IND) application next month for a new Phase 3 study in patients with chronic, symptomatic pulmonary sarcoidosis with restrictive lung disease utilizing forced vital capacity (FVC) as the primary endpoint of the study and the King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ)-Lung score as a key secondary endpoint. We look forward to the continued advancement of efzofitimod in this form of ILD where there remains a high unmet medical need.”

 

First Quarter 2026 and Subsequent Period Highlights

Announced plans to continue the development of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis following a Type C meeting with the FDA to review the results of the Phase 3 EFZO-FIT™ study and determine the path forward for efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis. The Company plans to file an IND in June 2026 for a new Phase 3 study in patients with chronic, symptomatic pulmonary sarcoidosis with restrictive lung disease utilizing FVC as the primary endpoint of the study and the

KSQ-Lung score as the key secondary endpoint. The Phase 3 trial is expected to be a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of efzofitimod in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary sarcoidosis. The 54-week study will consist of two parallel cohorts randomized equally to either 5.0 mg/kg efzofitimod or placebo dosed intravenously once every 3 weeks for a total of 17 doses. The study is intended to enroll up to approximately 372 patients with symptomatic pulmonary sarcoidosis with restrictive lung disease who are receiving a stable dose of ≤ 5.0 mg daily oral corticosteroid and/or a background immunosuppressant. All background treatment will remain stable throughout the duration of the study. The primary endpoint of the study will be change from baseline in FVC at week 48 and the key secondary endpoint will be change from baseline in the KSQ-Lung score at week 48.
On track to complete enrollment in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of efzofitimod in patients with limited or diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma)-related ILD (SSc-ILD) in the first half of 2026. This proof-of-concept study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 28-week study consisting of three parallel cohorts randomized 2:2:1 to either 270 mg or 450 mg of efzofitimod or placebo administered intravenously monthly for a total of six doses. The study intends to enroll up to 25 patients at multiple centers in the United States. Promising interim data from the study were reported in the second quarter of 2025.
Poster related to the Company's investigational new drug candidate, ATYR0101, accepted for presentation at the Extracellular Matrix Pharmacology Congress, which is scheduled to take place June 14 – 17, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The poster, which is titled, “Natural Asp-tRNA Synthetase Fragment Interacts with LTBP-1 on the ECM Promoting Myofibroblast Apoptosis and Reducing Fibrosis,” presents research indicating that AYTR0101 selectively induces myofibroblast apoptosis via modulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling through a novel binding interaction with latent-transforming growth factor beta binding protein 1 (LTBP-1) and results in a significant reduction of fibrosis in lung and kidney models. The poster will be available on the Company’s website once presented.

First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights and Cash Position

Cash & Investment Position: Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and available-for-sale investments as of March 31, 2026, were $68.3 million.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $7.3 million for the first quarter 2026, which consisted primarily of costs for the Phase 3 EFZO-FIT™ and Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ studies and research and development costs for the Company’s preclinical product candidates.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $4.1 million for the first quarter 2026.

About Efzofitimod

Efzofitimod is a novel biologic immunomodulator in clinical development for the treatment of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a group of immune-mediated disorders that can cause inflammation and fibrosis, or scarring, of the lungs. Efzofitimod is a tRNA synthetase derived therapy that selectively modulates activated myeloid cells through neuropilin-2 to resolve inflammation without immune suppression and potentially prevent the progression of fibrosis. Efzofitimod is currently being investigated in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ study in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma)-related ILD, and aTyr intends to submit an investigational new drug (IND) application in June 2026 for a global Phase 3 study of efzofitimod in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, a major form of ILD. These forms of ILD have limited therapeutic options and there is a need for safer and more effective, disease-modifying treatments that improve outcomes.

About aTyr

aTyr is a clinical stage biotechnology company leveraging evolutionary intelligence to translate tRNA synthetase biology into new therapies for fibrosis and inflammation. tRNA synthetases are ancient, essential proteins that have evolved novel domains that regulate diverse pathways extracellularly in humans. aTyr’s discovery platform is focused on unlocking hidden therapeutic intervention points by uncovering signaling pathways driven by its proprietary library of domains derived from all 20 tRNA synthetases. aTyr’s lead therapeutic candidate is efzofitimod, a novel biologic immunomodulator in clinical development for the treatment of interstitial lung disease, a group of immune-mediated disorders that can cause inflammation and progressive fibrosis, or scarring, of the lungs. For more information, please visit www.atyrpharma.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are usually identified by the use of words such as “aims,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “designed,” “expects,” “hopes,” “intends,” “look toward,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “project,” “suggest,” “will,” and variations of such words or similar expressions. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by such safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements and are making this statement for purposes of complying with those safe harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the potential therapeutic benefits and applications of efzofitimod and ATYR0101; timelines and plans with respect to certain development activities and development goals, including the submission (and planned timing of submission) of an IND for a Phase 3 study of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis in June 2026, the proposed design of our planned Phase 3 study of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis, including the dosing regimen, enrollment expectations, targeted endpoints, and strategy to focus on a more limited patient population; our interpretation of the results of the Phase 3 EFZO-FIT™ study and the meaning of those interpretations for our planned Phase 3 study; the expected size and number of patients to be enrolled in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT™ study; and our expectation that the EFZO-CONNECT™ study will complete enrollment in the first half of 2026. These forward-looking statements also reflect our current views about our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects, which are based on


the information currently available to us and on assumptions we have made. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects, as reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements, are reasonable, we can give no assurance that the plans, intentions, expectations, strategies or prospects will be attained or achieved. All forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions by our management that, although we believe to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Furthermore, actual results may differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors that are beyond our control including, without limitation, uncertainty related to interactions with the FDA in general, risks related to our reliance on third-party partners and the potential that such partners may not perform as anticipated, the fact that NRP2 and tRNA synthetase biology is not fully understood, uncertainty regarding the ultimate long-term impact of evolving macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, the risks associated with targeting a more limited patient population in our planned Phase 3 study of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis, the risk of delays in our clinical trials, risks associated with the discovery, development and regulation of our existing or future product candidates, including the uncertainty of related costs and regulatory filings and the risk that results from clinical trials or other studies may not support further development, the risk that we may cease or delay preclinical or clinical development activities for any of our existing or future product candidates for a variety of reasons (including difficulties or delays in patient enrollment in planned clinical trials), the fact that our collaboration agreements are subject to early termination, and the risk that we may not be able to raise the additional funding required for our business and product development plans, as well as those risks set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other SEC filings. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

 

 


 

ATYR PHARMA INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

 

7,317

 

 

 

11,814

 

General and administrative

 

 

4,119

 

 

 

3,959

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

11,436

 

 

 

15,773

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(11,436

)

 

 

(15,773

)

Total other income (expense), net

 

 

644

 

 

 

892

 

Consolidated net loss

 

 

(10,792

)

 

 

(14,881

)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in Pangu BioPharma Limited

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Net loss attributable to aTyr Pharma, Inc.

 

$

(10,791

)

 

$

(14,880

)

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

 

$

(0.11

)

 

$

(0.17

)

Shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted

 

 

98,043,839

 

 

 

86,485,126

 

 

 

ATYR PHARMA INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and available-for-sale investments

 

$

68,318

 

 

$

80,922

 

Other receivables

 

 

477

 

 

 

873

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

4,237

 

 

 

4,263

 

Operating lease, right-of-use assets

 

 

5,441

 

 

 

5,524

 

Financing lease, right-of-use assets

 

 

447

 

 

 

596

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

734

 

 

 

825

 

Total assets

 

$

79,654

 

 

$

93,003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$

10,213

 

 

$

13,682

 

Current portion of operating lease liability

 

 

890

 

 

 

836

 

Current portion of financing lease liability

 

 

596

 

 

 

630

 

Long-term operating lease liability, net of current portion

 

 

10,063

 

 

 

10,308

 

Long-term financing lease liability, net of current portion

 

 

151

 

 

 

259

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

57,741

 

 

 

67,288

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

79,654

 

 

$

93,003

 

 


FAQ

What were aTyr Pharma (ATYR) key financial results for Q1 2026?

aTyr Pharma reported a Q1 2026 net loss attributable to the company of $10.8 million, compared with $14.9 million in Q1 2025. Net loss per share was $0.11, versus $0.17 a year earlier, on 98,043,839 shares outstanding.

How much cash and investments did aTyr Pharma (ATYR) have at March 31, 2026?

At March 31, 2026, aTyr Pharma held $68.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and available-for-sale investments. This compares with $80.9 million at December 31, 2025, reflecting ongoing funding of clinical development and operating activities.

What are aTyr Pharma’s plans for efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis?

aTyr plans to submit an IND in June 2026 for a global Phase 3 study of efzofitimod in chronic, symptomatic pulmonary sarcoidosis with restrictive lung disease, using FVC as the primary endpoint and KSQ-Lung score as a key secondary endpoint at week 48.

What is the status of the EFZO-CONNECT Phase 2 study at aTyr Pharma (ATYR)?

The EFZO-CONNECT Phase 2 trial evaluates efzofitimod in SSc-ILD. aTyr expects to complete enrollment in the first half of 2026. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study plans to enroll up to 25 patients across multiple U.S. centers.

How did aTyr Pharma’s operating expenses change in Q1 2026?

Total operating expenses in Q1 2026 were $11.4 million, compared with $15.8 million in Q1 2025. Research and development expenses were $7.3 million and general and administrative expenses were $4.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

What does aTyr Pharma (ATYR) highlight about its ATYR0101 program?

A poster on investigational candidate ATYR0101 was accepted for presentation at the Extracellular Matrix Pharmacology Congress in June 2026. The work suggests ATYR0101 promotes myofibroblast apoptosis, modulates FAK signaling and reduces fibrosis in lung and kidney models.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

2 documents