- The double-blind, placebo-controlled study (funded by the Gates Foundation and Alzheimer’s Association) evaluates the safety and tolerability, biological activity, biomarkers, neuroimaging, and preliminary efficacy of LD IL-2 in 38 patients with mild-to-moderate AD over 30 weeks;
- Previously reported data from an open-label, proof-of-concept study in 8 AD patients illustrated that treatment with LD IL-2 resulted in a statistically significant improvement in cognitive function, as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination test (MMSE) and no cognitive decline was observed as measured by the AD Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), and the Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes scale (CDR-SB);
- Dr. Guillaume Dorothée, Ph.D., Member of Coya’s Scientific Advisory Board, was among the first to illustrate the role of Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in AD and the therapeutic effects of LD IL-2 in modifying AD pathology and restoring cognitive function in animal models of AD;
- Coya’s proprietary investigational LD IL-2 (COYA 301) for subcutaneous administration has been designed to enhance the function of Tregs in vivo and is being developed as a monotherapy for the treatment of AD and in combination with CTLA4 Ig (COYA 302) for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: COYA) (“Coya” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing multiple therapeutic platforms intended to enhance Treg function, including biologics and cell therapies, today announced completion of enrollment in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study of LD IL-2 in patients with mild-to-moderate AD. The study is being conducted by Drs. Stanley Appel and Alireza Faridar at the Houston Methodist Hospital.
A total of 38 patients were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous LD IL-2 at two different dosing regimens, or matching placebo, over 21 weeks. The first patient cohort was randomized to receive LD IL-2 for 5 consecutive days every 4 weeks and the second cohort was randomized to receive LD IL-2 for 5 consecutive days every 2 weeks.
This phase 2 well-controlled study will evaluate the safety and tolerability, biological activity, blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, neuroimaging, and changes in cognitive function of LD IL-2 compared to placebo at pre-specified timepoints over the course of the 21-week treatment period and at 9 weeks after the last dose of study treatment.
Topline results of the study are anticipated to be reported in Summer 2024. The study is funded by the Gates Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Coya previously reported that the treatment with LD IL-2 significantly expanded Treg population and function in an open-label proof-of concept study in 8 patients with AD. At baseline, the mean (SD) percentage of Tregs was 4.55 (1.97) and was almost double at the end of the treatment [8.68 (2.99), p=0.0004]. Mean (SD) Treg suppressive function was 46.61% (7.74) at baseline, and significantly increased to 79.5 % (20.55) at the end of treatment (p=0.003). In addition, evaluation of cognitive function showed that administration of LD IL-2 resulted in a statistically significant improvement in mean MMSE scores during the treatment phase, compared to mean MMSE score at baseline (p=0.015). Consistent with the positive trend in MMSE score, mean scores in ADAS-Cog and CDR-SB scales did not significantly change at the end of treatment with LD IL-2, compared to pre-treatment baseline scores, indicating no cognitive decline as measured by these validated instruments. Overall, administration of LD IL-2 appeared to be well tolerated in the 8 patients in the open-label, proof-of concept study. The most common adverse events were mild injection-site reactions and mild leukopenia. No serious adverse events were reported, and no patient discontinued the study.
Howard Berman, Ph.D., CEO of Coya Therapeutics, stated, “We believe that a positive efficacy signal in this well powered AD trial will support advancing development of this potential therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease and will lead to further study as monotherapy and in combination with recently approved treatments.”
About Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 80% of dementia cases, affecting an estimated 5.7 million Americans. In more than 90% of people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms do not appear until after age 60. The incidence of the disease increases with age and doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. It is the sixth leading cause of death among all adults and the fifth leading cause for those aged 65 or older. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives 4 to 8 years after diagnosis but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors. 1,2
References
- Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov).
About Coya Therapeutics, Inc.
Headquartered in Houston, TX, Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: COYA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing proprietary treatments focused on the biology and potential therapeutic advantages of regulatory T cells (“Tregs”) to target systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Dysfunctional Tregs underlie numerous conditions including neurodegenerative, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases, and this cellular dysfunction may lead to a sustained inflammation and oxidative stress resulting in lack of homeostasis of the immune system. Coya’s investigational product candidate pipeline leverages multiple therapeutic modalities aimed at restoring the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions of Tregs. Coya’s therapeutic platforms include Treg-enhancing biologics, Treg-derived exosomes, and autologous Treg cell therapy. Coya’s 300 Series product candidates, COYA 301 and COYA 302, are biologic therapies intended to enhance Treg function and expand Treg numbers. COYA 301 is a cytokine biologic for subcutaneous administration intended to enhance Treg function and expand Treg numbers in vivo, and COYA 302 is a biologic combination for subcutaneous and/or intravenous administration intended to enhance Treg function while depleting T effector function and activated macrophages. These two mechanisms may be additive or synergistic in suppressing inflammation. For more information about Coya, please visit www.coyatherapeutics.com
Forward-Looking Statements
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Contacts
Investor Contact
David Snyder
david@coyatherapeutics.com
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James Carbonara
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James@haydenir.com
Media Contact
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917-680-8765