On March 15, 2024 Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: CLDI) ("Calidi"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new generation of targeted immunotherapies, reported its fourth quarter and full-year 2023 operating and financial results and reviewed recent business highlights (Press release, Calidi Biotherapeutics, MAR 15, 2024, View Source [SID1234641214]).

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"Calidi continues to make great progress across our development programs while continuing to innovate and expand our industry-leading position in cell-based immunotherapies," said Allan Camaisa, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Calidi Biotherapeutics. "We anticipate reporting an interim clinical update from our Phase 1 trial evaluating CLD-101 in high-grade glioma patients in collaboration with City of Hope in the second quarter of this year assuming we are successful in raising additional capital, and we were thrilled to recently strengthen our collaboration with City of Hope to evaluate CLD-101 for the treatment of ovarian cancer with the support of CIRM. In addition, we were proud to recently unveil our potentially paradigm-shifting advance in the treatment of advanced solid tumors, including lung cancer and metastatic disease, that required a systemic application, through our RTNova systemic delivery approach."

Fourth Quarter 2023 and Recent Corporate Developments

City of Hope, a leader in cancer research and treatment, was awarded $5.3 million to further support preclinical translational studies, product manufacturing (using Calidi’s next generation manufacturing process) and clinical trial design for ovarian cancer using Calidi’s licensed oncolytic virotherapy product, CLD-101. CLD-101 is a cutting-edge therapeutic candidate in Calidi’s NeuroNova program, comprising tumor-tropic neural stem cells (NSCs) that deliver an oncolytic adenovirus – CRAd-S-pk7 – selectively to tumor sites.
Publicly announced novel systemic enveloped oncolytic virotherapy program, RTNova (CLD-400), targeting advanced solid tumors, including advanced metastatic disease. The new program builds upon Calidi’s experience using stem cells to protect oncolytic viruses from inactivation by the patient’s immune system allowing for easier administration, increased cost-effectiveness, and the ability to reach a broad patient population.
Appointed Antonio Chiocca, M.D., Ph.D., David T. Curiel, M.D., Ph.D., and Burt L. Nabors, M.D., to the company’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Board. These physician scientists bring a deep expertise in oncology, hailing from top cancer research institutions and facilities.
Announced the appointment of David LaPré to the company’s Board of Directors. Mr. LaPré brings significant experience in technical operations strategy and execution in the pharmaceutical industry.
Received patent covering novel SuperNova technology platform (CLD-201) composed of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells loaded with oncolytic vaccinia virus. This patent strengthens the company’s robust intellectual property portfolio as Calidi plans to initiate a clinical trial in the second half of 2024. Calidi has shown preclinically the potential of SuperNova to shield the viral payload from the immune system allowing for its delivery to tumor sites.
Upcoming Anticipated Milestones

1H 2024: Interim clinical update from CLD-101 Phase 1 trial in collaboration with City of Hope for recurrent high-grade glioma patients
1H 2024: First patient dosed in CLD-101 Phase 1 trial in collaboration with Northwestern University for newly diagnosed high-grade glioma patients
2H 2024: First patient dosed in CLD-201 Phase 1 trial
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results

The company reported a net loss of $8.2 million, or $0.23 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $7.8 million, or $0.90 per share, for the same period in 2022.

Research and development expenses were $4.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $2.3 million for the comparable period in 2022, respectively.

General and administrative expenses were $5.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $2.4 million for the comparable period in 2022, respectively.

Full Year 2023 Financial Results

The company reported a net loss of $29.2 million, or $1.73 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $25.4 million, or $2.99 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Research and development expenses were $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively.

General and administrative expenses were $16.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively.

The company had approximately $1.9 million in cash and $0.2 million in restricted cash as of December 31, 2023, compared to $0.4 million in cash and $0.2 million in restricted cash as of December 31, 2022.

On March 15, 2024 ImmVira reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for oncolytic virus product MVR-T3011 IT (intratumoral injection) for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer with disease progression after platinum-based chemotherapy and at least one prior line of anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy (Press release, Immvira, MAR 15, 2024, View Source [SID1234641211]). Fast track designation is intended to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs targeting serious conditions with unmet medical needs.

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The Fast Track designation was sought based on the promising potential of MVR-T3011 IT to meet the unmet medical needs associated with HNSCC. Supporting evidence for this request was derived from Phase I/II trials conducted in both the United States and China, focusing on evaluating the efficacy, safety, and durability of response in patients with HNSCC.

HNSCC has become a growing public health concern, with increases in incidence rates as of 2023 statistics. Approximately 32% of patients face recurrence after curative therapy, and 3-10% present with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, emphasizing the aggressive nature and severity of this cancer. While immune checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1/PD-L1 blockers have transformed HNSCC treatment, their benefits are confined to a modest 15-20% of patients. This treatment gap underscores the critical need for innovative therapies. Clinical data indicates that MVR-T3011 IT demonstrated the potential to overcome immunosuppression, and delivered favorable outcomes in terms of tumor shrinkage and control in patients who failed ICI treatments.

"Attaining Fast Track designation from the FDA marks a pivotal milestone and underscores MVR-T3011 IT’s capacity to address the substantial unmet needs of HNSCC patients," said Grace Guoying Zhou, Chairwoman and CEO of ImmVira. "We are encouraged by the FDA’s decision as it reflects the need for FDA approved and widely available treatments for these patients. This designation will allow us to work closely with the FDA to quickly advance MVR-T3011 IT, to make a meaningful difference for patients who require new treatment options."

About MVR-T3011

MVR-T3011, ImmVira’s proprietary 3-in-1 oHSV, is a novel genetic engineered oHSV which aims to achieve the most favorable profile of attenuated HSV-1 with replication potency in tumor cells and highly restricted replication in normal cells. Its incorporation of two latest and well-validated exogenous genes, PD-1 antibody and IL-12, further enhances immune responses in the tumor microenvironment.

On March 15, 2024 Qilu Pharmaceutical reported the Phase II clinical trial results for iparomlimab and tuvonralimab (QL1706) in an oral presentation (Press release, Qilu Pharmaceutical, MAR 15, 2024, View Source [SID1234641210]). This trial, known as DUBHE-C-206, recruited patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer who failed first-line standard treatments. The findings were presented by Professor Jihong Liu from the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center in China.

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Study Background and Design

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among women and a leading cause of cancer-related death. For those who have failed the first-line standard therapy, the currently available treatment options are inadequate. The objective response rate (ORR) for pembrolizumab was 12.2%, with an ORR of 0% in the PD-L1-negative population[1]. Additionally, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) were reported to be 2.1 months and 9.4 months, respectively. Similarly, cemiplimab showed an ORR of 16.4%, with a median PFS of 2.8 months and a median OS of 12.0 months[2]. This highlights the unmet need for effective and safe clinical treatments for patients with cervical cancer who failed first-line therapy. By targeting and inhibiting two immune checkpoint pathways (anti-PD-1 IgG4 and anti-CTLA-4 IgG1), Qilu Pharmaceutical’s proprietary drug QL1706 has shown a favorable safety profile and preliminary efficacy in patients with cervical cancer in early studies. The DUBHE-C-206 study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of QL1706 in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer.

This study was a multi-center, single-arm, open-label phase II clinical trial which enrolled patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer who failed first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (with or without bevacizumab) and without prior immunotherapy. Participants received QL1706 at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg once every three weeks (Q3W). The primary endpoint of the trial was the ORR as assessed by an Independent Evaluation Committee (IRC). Secondary endpoints included the ORR as evaluated by investigators, duration of response (DoR) and disease control rate (DCR) as assessed by both IRC and investigators, PFS, 6-month and 12-month PFS rates, OS, 12-month OS rate, as well as safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.

Study Results

As of April 28, 2023, the study had enrolled 148 patients with a median age of 53.0 years, including 132 (89.2%) diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Of these participants, 109 (73.6%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) score of 1. Additionally, 105 (70.9%) patients had a combined positive score (CPS) of ≥1, while 43 (29.1%) had a CPS of <1. Notably, 39.9% of the participants had been treated with bevacizumab, and 37.2% had received second-line and subsequent therapy. The median follow-up duration of the study was 11.0 months.

In terms of efficacy, the ORR as assessed by IRC was 33.8% (95% CI: 26.2%-42.0%), and the DCR reached 64.9% (95% CI: 56.6%-72.5%). The median PFS was 5.4 months (95% CI: 3.9-6.9), with 6-month and 12-month PFS rates of 45.0% and 16.1%, respectively. The median OS had not been reached, with 6-month and 12-month OS rates standing at 83.9% and 65.4%, respectively. In subgroup analyses, the ORR for patients with a CPS of ≥1 was 37.1%, compared to 25.6% for those with a CPS of <1. Furthermore, the ORR for patients who had previously received bevacizumab was 28.8%, whereas it was 37.1% for those who had not undergone such treatment.

Regarding safety, among all the participants, 104 (70.3%) experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), with the most common being hypothyroidism (20.9%) and hyperthyroidism (18.9%). TRAEs of grade 3 or higher were observed in 36 individuals (24.3%), with anemia (4.1%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (2.7%), and increased lipase level (2.7%) being the most frequently reported. Three patients (2.0%) discontinued treatment due to TRAEs. There were no reported deaths resulting from TRAEs. In the study, 65 participants (43.9%) experienced immune-related adverse events (irAEs), with grade 3 or higher irAEs reported in 21 (14.2%).

In conclusion, QL1706 has shown promising efficacy and acceptable safety profile in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer who failed first-line standard therapy, regardless of their PD-L1 expression. This positions QL1706 as a more effective and safer therapeutic option for patients with cervical cancer whose disease progressed after first-line standard therapy. A phase III clinical trial is currently in progress, evaluating the use of QL1706 in combination with chemotherapy (with or without bevacizumab) as a first-line treatment option.

Prof. Liu from the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center commented, "The findings from the DUBHE-C-206 study offer new evidence to support the use of dual immunotherapy in the second- and late-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic advanced cervical cancer (ACC). They also affirm QL1706’s potential as a promising new treatment option for ACC patients. The study’s results have shown the efficacy benefits of QL1706 across the whole ACC patient population while demonstrating its considerable safety advantages. These findings suggest that QL1706 has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for patients and provide superior clinical benefits. We eagerly anticipate the outcomes of the Phase 3 trial for QL1706, which is now in progress to assess the efficacy and safety of QL1706 in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, as a first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic ACC."

Professor Hanmei Lou from Zhejiang Cancer Hospital stated, "For ACC patients who have failed first-line therapy, the available treatment options are still limited and exhibit unsatisfactory efficacy, highlighting substantial unmet clinical needs. The efficacy and safety data from the DUBHE-C-206 study are promising. Compared with the previously reported combination therapy involving PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, QL1706 has demonstrated reduced toxicity and offers notable advantages in both safety and efficacy. This further supports the use of dual immunotherapy for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic ACC. Consequently, the data from the DUBHE-C-206 study holds significant clinical value and implications."

Ms Xiaoyan Kang, Executive Deputy General Manager of Qilu Pharmaceutical’s Clinical Research & Development Center and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Oncology, explained, "QL1706 represents the world’s first dual-functional MabPair antibody targeting both PD-1 and CTLA-4 pathways. Data from several clinical studies of this novel drug have been released. The inclusion of the latest clinical trial results in the oral presentation at the ESGO conference underscores the international academic community’s interest in and recognition of the clinical potential of this novel product. Currently, multiple Phase III clinical trials involving QL1706 are in progress, covering various disease indications. Going forward, we plan to further accelerate the clinical development of QL1706 to ensure that this treatment can reach and benefit patients as soon as possible."

On March 15, 2024 Lantern Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRN), an artificial intelligence (AI) company developing targeted and transformative cancer therapies using its proprietary AI and machine learning (ML) platform, RADR, with multiple clinical stage drug programs, reported the dosing of the first two patients in the Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating Lantern’s investigational new drug LP-284 in patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and double hit lymphoma (DHL) and other high-grade B-cell lymphomas (HGBL) as well as other select solid tumors and sarcomas (Press release, Lantern Pharma, MAR 15, 2024, View Source [SID1234641209]). Recently, Lantern Pharma’s AI platform, RADR is expected to exceed 100 billion data points during 2024, and has been crucial in uncovering and accelerating indications for LP-284 as well as other drug-candidates that are in development.

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"Enrolling and treating initial patients in our Phase 1 trial for LP-284 is a major milestone and underscores the commitment of our team to advancing our pipeline of AI-driven therapies to patients," stated Panna Sharma, Lantern’s President and CEO. "We believe LP-284 has unique and breakthrough potential for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphomas and certain solid tumors with certain genomic signatures, many of which have no or limited effective therapeutic options."

"LP-284 is a molecule which was advanced from initial concepts through IND-studies, manufacturing, multiple FDA-granted orphan indications, multiple patent filings, as well as presentations at major oncology conferences and into humans in a timeline and cost structure that is typically unheard of for a novel oncology-focused molecule. This milestone validates our unique approach of leveraging AI and machine learning to expedite cancer drug development," said Sharma. "Insights from our proprietary AI and ML platform, RADR, were instrumental in our development of LP-284 and aided in understanding its mechanism of action, identifying and prioritizing its cancer indications, and generating machine learning biomarker signatures to assist with patient selection in future clinical trials. We have been able to expedite its journey from a concept to a first-in-human clinical trial in a highly efficient and cost-effective manner – less than 3 years and under $3 million – underscoring the power and potential of our AI platform RADR to accelerate oncology drug discovery and development."

The open-label Phase 1a/1b multicenter Phase 1 trial (NCT06132503) is evaluating the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of LP-284 and determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) lymphomas and solid tumors. The secondary objectives are to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of LP-284 and to assess clinical activity of LP-284.

Patients will be enrolled and treated with LP-284 administered intravenously (IV) on Days 1, 8, 15 of a 28-day schedule. The study will be conducted in two parts: dose escalation with MTD and/or RP2D confirmation (Phase 1a) and dose expansion (Phase 1b). Up to 30 patients will be enrolled in Phase 1a; the total number of patients will depend on the number of dose levels explored. Additionally, Lantern may enroll up to 40 patients in each of the two cohorts of MCL and HGBL (including DLBCL) tumors in Phase 1b.

NHL is the leading hematological malignancy in the US and remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths globally, with an estimated 500,000 new cases annually worldwide. Despite advances in NHL using combination and targeted therapies, nearly 20% to 40% of patients with certain subtypes still relapse after treatment. In aggressive subtypes of NHL, like MCL, nearly all patients relapse from standard-of-care (SOC) therapies. Globally, the annual market potential of LP-284 in NHL is estimated to be approximately $4 billion USD.

About LP-284:

LP-284 is a novel small molecule with a synthetically lethal mechanism of action that preferentially damages cancer cells that harbor mutations in DNA damage repair pathways. Lantern’s LP-284 program has been accelerated and focused using AI insights and biological modeling powered by RADR.

About Lantern Pharma

Lantern Pharma (NASDAQ: LTRN) is an AI company transforming the cost, pace, and timeline of oncology drug discovery and development. Our proprietary AI and machine learning (ML) platform, RADR, leverages over 60 billion oncology-focused data points and a library of 200+ advanced ML algorithms to help solve billion-dollar, real-world problems in oncology drug development. By harnessing the power of AI and with input from world-class scientific advisors and collaborators, we have accelerated the development of our growing pipeline of therapies that span multiple cancer indications, including both solid tumors and blood cancers and an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) program. On average, our newly developed drug programs have been advanced from initial AI insights to first-in-human clinical trials in 2-3 years and at approximately $1.0 – 2.5 million per program.

Our lead development programs include a Phase 2 clinical program and multiple Phase 1 clinical trials. We have also established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Starlight Therapeutics, to focus exclusively on the clinical execution of our promising therapies for CNS and brain cancers, many of which have no effective treatment options. Our AI-driven pipeline of innovative product candidates is estimated to have a combined annual market potential of over $15 billion USD and have the potential to provide life-changing therapies to hundreds of thousands of cancer patients across the world.

On March 15, 2024 aTyr Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIFE) ("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, reported fourth quarter and full year 2023 results and provided a corporate update (Press release, aTyr Pharma, MAR 15, 2024, View Source [SID1234641208]).

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"Throughout 2023 we made meaningful progress with our clinical development program for our lead therapeutic candidate, efzofitimod, in interstitial lung disease (ILD)," said Sanjay S. Shukla, M.D., M.S., President and Chief Executive Officer of aTyr. "Our primary focus for 2024 is completing enrollment in our global pivotal Phase 3 EFZO-FIT study in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, a major form of ILD, which is anticipated in the second quarter."

"We ended 2023 with more than $100 million in cash, restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments. Based on our current cash position and operational plans, we believe our financial resources are sufficient to fund the Company’s operations through the filing of a Biologics License Application (BLA) for efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis."

Fourth Quarter 2023 and Subsequent Period Highlights

Continued enrollment in the global pivotal Phase 3 EFZO-FIT study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of efzofitimod in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 52-week study consisting of three parallel cohorts randomized equally to either 3.0 mg/kg or 5.0 mg/kg of efzofitimod or placebo dosed intravenously monthly for a total of 12 doses. The study intends to enroll up to 264 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. The study is currently enrolling at more than 90 centers in 9 countries. A positive data and safety monitoring board review assessed that the study could continue unmodified. Based on current enrollment projections, the Company anticipates completing enrollment in the study in the second quarter of 2024.
Announced an Individual Patient Expanded Access Program (EAP) for efzofitimod for patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. The EAP has been initiated based on blinded EFZO-FIT study investigator and patient participant feedback. The program is designed to allow access for patients who complete the Phase 3 EFZO-FIT study and wish to receive treatment with efzofitimod outside of the clinical trial.
Continued enrollment in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of efzofitimod in patients with SSc-ILD. 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 dosed intravenously monthly for a total of 6 doses. The study intends to enroll up to 25 patients with SSc-ILD and is open for enrollment at multiple centers in the U.S.
Poster for efzofitimod accepted for presentation at the upcoming American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2024 International Conference. The conference is scheduled to take place May 17 – 22, 2024, in San Diego, CA.
Poster 8837 – Efzofitimod is an Immunomodulator of Myeloid Cell Function and Novel Therapeutic Candidate for Interstitial Lung Diseases on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 2:15 p.m. PDT.
Presented two posters highlighting the importance of neuropilin-2 (NRP2) in immune regulation at the Keystone Symposia on Myeloid Cell Diversity. The findings further demonstrate that efzofitimod modulates myeloid cells via the NRP2 receptor to promote a unique anti-inflammatory mechanism and validates the role of NRP2 in the immune system by the activity of an NRP2 blocking antibody in preclinical models.
Announced Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., President Emeritus of Howard University, as an advisor to the Company. Dr. Frederick is a distinguished physician executive with extensive knowledge on disparities in healthcare and will advise the Company on its efzofitimod program in ILD.
Poster for ATYR0750 accepted for presentation at the upcoming Gordon Research Conference Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Disease. The conference is scheduled to take place March 24 – 29, 2024, in Galveston, TX.
Poster – Alanyl-tRNA Synthetase Fragment Binds to FGFR4 and Induces Morphological Changes and Downstream Signaling in Liver Cells with Functional Similarities to FGF2.

Year Ended 2023 Financial Highlights and Cash Position

Cash & Investment Position: Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments as of December 31, 2023, were $101.7 million. Based on the Company’s current operational plans and existing cash, the Company maintains its prior guidance and believes its cash runway will be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations through the filing of a BLA for efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $42.3 million for the year ended 2023, which consisted primarily of clinical trial costs for the Phase 3 EFZO-FIT and Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT studies, manufacturing costs for the efzofitimod program and research and development costs for the efzofitimod and discovery programs.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $13.0 million for the year ended 2023.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

aTyr will host a conference call and webcast today at 5:00 p.m. EDT / 2:00 p.m. PDT to discuss its financial results and provide a corporate update. Interested parties may access the call by registering here in order to obtain a dial in, personalized passcode and webcast information. Links to a live audio webcast and replay may be accessed on the aTyr website Events page at: View Source An audio replay will be available for at least 90 days following the event.

About Efzofitimod

Efzofitimod is a first-in-class 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. aTyr is currently investigating efzofitimod in the global Phase 3 EFZO-FIT study in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, a major form of ILD, and in the Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT study in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma)-related 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.