Coya Therapeutics Inc, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm specializing in biologics to enhance regulatory T cell function in neurodegenerative diseases, has announced a pivotal milestone as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for COYA 302. This proprietary biologic combination therapy is being developed for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), marking a significant advancement toward clinical evaluation and potential therapeutic breakthroughs.
Key Highlights of the News
FDA acceptance of the IND application paves way for initiating a Phase 2 multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate COYA 302’s efficacy and safety in ALS patients.
The acceptance triggers a milestone payment of $4.2 million to Coya from its strategic partner, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd (DRL), reinforcing confidence in the program’s commercial potential.
COYA 302 combines low-dose interleukin-2 (LD IL-2) and CTLA-4 Ig in a proprietary immunomodulatory biologic designed to boost anti-inflammatory regulatory T cell activity while suppressing harmful inflammation caused by activated monocytes and macrophages.
The drug is targeted for subcutaneous administration to slow ALS progression, a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatment options.
Coya’s CEO Arun Swaminathan emphasized this moment as a major milestone, expressing readiness to commence a well-powered clinical trial and gratitude to the ALS community for its support.
DRL’s North America CEO Milan Kalawadia highlighted the scientific and strategic rationale behind the partnership and the potential to impact ALS treatment landscapes.
ALS affects about 20,000 people in the U.S. and has no cure, with most patients succumbing to respiratory failure within three to five years after symptom onset.
Deeper Understanding of COYA 302 and ALS
COYA 302's dual immunomodulatory mechanism aims to restore immune balance by enhancing regulatory T cells that keep inflammation in check while neutralizing pro-inflammatory cells that accelerate nerve damage in ALS. It represents a novel approach compared to existing ALS treatments focused primarily on symptom management.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease causing motor neuron degeneration that leads to muscle weakness, twitching, and eventual loss of voluntary movement control. Existing drug treatments provide limited benefit, creating an urgent need for next-generation therapies like COYA 302.
Next Steps for Clinical Development and Regulatory Progress
Coya will launch a Phase 2 clinical trial designed as a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to robustly assess COYA 302’s clinical efficacy.
The company is preparing for patient enrollment and study site activations in collaboration with clinical partners.
Regulatory and scientific communications will continue with the FDA to ensure compliance and study design alignment.
Milestone payments from DRL, triggered by FDA acceptance and key clinical progress markers, support Coya’s ongoing development costs.
Additional programs targeting frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease remain part of Coya’s research pipeline, with development plans underway.
Strategic Importance and Market Potential
The FDA's acceptance not only validates the scientific merit of COYA 302 but also enhances Coya’s positioning in a competitive biotechnology landscape targeting neurodegenerative diseases. Successful development and approval could address a critical unmet medical need, potentially transforming patient outcomes and establishing new standards of care for ALS.
Summary
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FDA accepts Coya Therapeutics’ IND for COYA 302 in ALS, enabling Phase 2 trial initiation.
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Acceptance triggers $4.2 million milestone payment from Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
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COYA 302 is a proprietary biologic combining LD IL-2 and CTLA-4 Ig to modulate immune response.
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ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease lacking effective treatment options.
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Phase 2 trial planned as a rigorous, placebo-controlled multicenter study.
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Partnership with DRL strengthens Coya’s clinical and commercial capabilities.
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Regulatory and scientific discussions ongoing to support development across neurodegenerative disorders.
Source: PR Newswire, Coya Therapeutics Press Release, ALS News Today, Business Wire
