Coya Therapeutics (COYA) Investor update summary

Evolution of concussion awareness and protocols

• Early sports culture denied concussion risks, but now protocols include spotters and advanced diagnostics for player safety.

• Subconcussive hits, common in linemen, can cumulatively cause brain damage similar to multiple concussions.

• Awareness has shifted from only diagnosed concussions to recognizing the dangers of repetitive, undiagnosed impacts.

• Prevention efforts now include limiting contact in practices and advocating for later introduction of tackle sports.

• Education and proactive intervention by parents and coaches are emphasized due to athlete denial and cultural pressures.

Scientific understanding of brain injury and inflammation

• Repetitive head trauma triggers both primary and secondary inflammation, disrupting neural circuits and causing long-term damage.

• Inflammation is a key driver in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, often exacerbated by trauma.

• Dysfunctional regulatory T cells and activated immune cells contribute to ongoing neuronal damage.

• Biomarkers in blood can indicate neuroinflammation, but are not disease-specific.

• Early intervention and therapies targeting inflammation may slow or prevent disease progression.

Advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

• Baseline cognitive testing and improved helmet technology are now common preventive measures.

• New therapies, such as rTMS and neurofeedback, show promise in restoring brain function.

• Investigational drugs like COYA 302 aim to enhance regulatory T cells and reduce inflammation in ALS and FTD.

• Early detection through biomarkers and genetic screening is a growing focus.

• Multidisciplinary care and early clinical trial participation improve outcomes for neurodegenerative disease patients.