On November 1, 2017, aTyr Pharma, Inc. announced a leadership transition. Sanjay S. Shukla, M.D., M.S., the company's Chief Medical Officer, will succeed John D. Mendlein, the company's current Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors of the company appointed Dr. Shukla as the company's next President and Chief Executive Officer and designated Dr. Shukla as the company's principal executive officer effective as of November 1, 2017.

Dr. Mendlein will continue as a director of the company and will serve as a strategic advisor to the company pursuant to the terms of an advisor agreement entered with Dr. Mendlein. Dr. Shukla has previously served as the company's Chief Medical Officer since March 2016. From April 2015 to March 2016, Dr. Shukla worked in an advisory capacity for a number of companies, including as a consultant to aTyr Pharma from January 2016 to March 2016.

Dr. Shukla served as Chief Executive Officer of RxMD, from April 2009 to September 2012. In addition to serving as President and CEO, Dr. Shukla was nominated and appointed to serve as a director of the company's Board effective November 1, 2017. Dr. Shukla was appointed as a Class III director, and will serve until the company's annual meeting of stockholders in 2018 or until his successor is duly elected and qualified or his earlier resignation or removal.

Dr. Mendlein's last day of employment with the company will be December 31, 2017.