Tyra Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:TYRA) has received FDA clearance for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for TYRA-300, paving the way for a Phase 2 clinical trial targeting achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism, in children. This clearance marks a significant step forward in the development of a potential new treatment option for this genetic condition.
TYRA-300: A Selective FGFR3 Inhibitor
TYRA-300 is an orally administered, selective Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3) inhibitor. It is designed to overcome the limitations of existing treatments, which often involve daily injections and provide only modest improvements in growth. The drug's selectivity aims to minimize toxicities associated with the inhibition of other FGFRs. TYRA-300 is also being investigated for the treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer.
BEACH301 Trial Details
The upcoming BEACH301 study is a Phase 2 trial that will enroll children aged 3 to 10 years with achondroplasia who have open growth plates. The trial will be conducted at multiple sites globally and will primarily assess the safety and tolerability of TYRA-300. A key objective is to determine the optimal dosing regimen for the drug. The study will also evaluate the impact of TYRA-300 on annualized growth velocity, a critical measure of treatment efficacy in achondroplasia.
In addition to growth velocity, the BEACH301 trial will explore changes in height, body proportionality, and the pharmacokinetics of TYRA-300. Researchers will also conduct assessments of functional outcomes and quality of life to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drug's potential benefits.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia affects an estimated 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 children worldwide, impacting approximately 250,000 individuals globally. The condition is primarily caused by the FGFR3 G380R mutation. Current treatments offer limited efficacy and can be burdensome for patients and their families. TYRA-300's selective inhibition of FGFR3 holds promise for addressing the underlying genetic cause of achondroplasia and improving growth outcomes.
Management Perspective
Todd Harris, CEO of Tyra Biosciences, emphasized the importance of the IND clearance for the achondroplasia community. He expressed optimism about TYRA-300's potential to enhance growth velocity and deliver clinically meaningful benefits to patients. The company is actively preparing to initiate the BEACH301 study, with dosing expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025.
Regulatory Designations
TYRA-300 has previously received Orphan Drug Designation in July 2023 and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation in January 2024 from the FDA for the treatment of achondroplasia. These designations provide incentives for the development of treatments for rare diseases and underscore the unmet medical need in this patient population.
