Coya Therapeutics: A New Chapter with Arun Swaminathan as CEO

Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: COYA) has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Arun Swaminathan, Ph.D., as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 1, 2024. Dr. Swaminathan succeeds Dr. Howard Berman, who will transition to the role of Executive Chair. This strategic move brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Coya, positioning the company for growth and success in the biotechnology sector.

Dr. Swaminathan's appointment is a testament to his proven track record in strategic, business development, operational, and deal-making experience. Over the past five years, he has executed several company-significant commercial transactions totaling over $6 billion, including Coya's recent licensing transaction with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories worth up to $700 million. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing Coya's pipeline, including COYA 302, in related programs such as Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), and other immune-mediated diseases.


Coya's pipeline is focused on enhancing regulatory T cell (Treg) function to target systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. The company's lead biologic investigational product, COYA 302, is a proprietary combination of COYA 301 (Coya's proprietary LD IL-2) and CTLA4-Ig for subcutaneous administration. This unique dual mechanism of action enhances the number and anti-inflammatory function of Tregs while simultaneously lowering the expression of activated microglia and the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators.

The licensing transaction with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories aligns with Coya's overall business strategy and pipeline development. This partnership provides Coya with significant financial resources, access to Dr. Reddy's global footprint and manufacturing capabilities, and expertise in regulatory affairs. This deal, along with Dr. Swaminathan's leadership, positions Coya for substantial growth and value creation for shareholders.


In conclusion, Coya Therapeutics' appointment of Arun Swaminathan as CEO brings a wealth of strategic, business development, and deal-making experience to the company. His leadership, coupled with the licensing transaction with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, sets the stage for Coya's continued growth and success in the biotechnology sector. With a strong pipeline focused on enhancing Treg function and a strategic partnership to support its development, Coya is well-positioned to create value for shareholders and bring its therapies to patients more quickly.