- Coya Therapeutics (COYA, Financial) reports positive interim results from an open-label study for Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
- Combination treatment with low-dose IL-2 and CTLA4-Ig increased Treg numbers and suppressive function in patients.
- No serious adverse events were recorded; all five study participants completed the trial.
Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: COYA), a clinical-stage biotechnology firm, has announced encouraging interim results from an investigator-initiated open-label study involving low-dose IL-2 and CTLA4-Ig combination therapy for Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Conducted at the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, this proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the efficacy of the treatment in enhancing regulatory T cells (Tregs) function in patients with mild to moderate FTD.
The initial cohort of five patients showed a statistically significant increase in the number and suppressive function of Tregs compared to baseline. The study protocol included subcutaneous administration of CTLA4-Ig followed by a 5-day course of low-dose IL-2 every four weeks for a total of 22 weeks.
Importantly, the patients experienced minimal to no cognitive decline during the treatment period, and no serious adverse events were reported. Mild injection site reactions were the most common adverse events, with all five patients successfully completing the study.
Dr. Arun Swaminathan, Coya’s CEO, expressed optimism about the data, noting consistency with previous studies involving similar treatments. Dr. Fred Grossman, Coya's Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the potential of the IL-2/CTLA4-Ig combination as a promising therapy for FTD, where current treatment options are limited.
Coya plans to expand the study to enroll up to 10 patients and aims to publish more comprehensive results in the future. FTD, a group of neurodegenerative disorders, affects approximately 30,000 Americans and is known for its progressive impact on behavior and language skills.
The study results align with Coya Therapeutics' broader strategic focus on targeting dysfunctional Tregs to address inflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases.
