aTyr Pharma, Inc. announced that it has dosed the first patient in its Phase 2 EFZO-CONNECT?? study. The proof-of-concept study will evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the Company's lead therapeutic candidate, efzofitimod, compared to placebo in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Efzofitimod is a first-in-class biologic immunomodulator that selectively modulates activated myeloid cells through neuropilin-2 (NRP2) to resolve inflammation without immune suppression and potentially prevent the progression of fibrosis. EfzofitimOD has been granted U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union orphan drug and U.S. FDA Fast Track designations for SSc. The study intends to enroll 25 patients at multiple centers in the United States.

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of multiple doses of intravenous efzofitimOD on pulmonary, cutaneous and systemic manifestations in patients with SSc-ILD. Secondary objectives include safety and tolerability.