Lyra Therapeutics Suspends Development of LYR-210 for Chronic Rhinosinusitis Despite Positive Trial Results

Lyra Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for the localized treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Founded in the early 2000s, the company has focused on addressing a significant unmet medical need. Chronic rhinosinusitis is a debilitating inflammatory disease that causes months or years of nasal congestion, facial pain and pressure, and nasal discharge for millions of people in the United States, yet many lack effective, long-lasting treatment options.

Lyra Therapeutics' lead product candidate, LYR-210, is a bioabsorbable nasal implant designed to deliver up to six months of continuous anti-inflammatory medication to the sinonasal passages for the treatment of CRS.

Positive Results Followed by Strategic Pivot

In June 2025, Lyra announced positive results from the ENLIGHTEN 2 Phase 3 clinical trial of LYR-210 in adult patients with CRS. The ENLIGHTEN 2 trial met its primary endpoint, with LYR-210 demonstrating statistically significant improvement compared to sham control in a composite of the three cardinal symptoms of CRS at week 24 in patients without nasal polyps.

Despite this success, on January 12, 2026, Lyra Therapeutics announced that its Board of Directors decided to suspend further development of LYR-210, the Company's lead product candidate for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. The Company also announced a workforce reduction impacting its remaining 28 employees and other cost-saving actions to preserve capital.

Significance for the Medical Community

This development represents a cautionary tale about the challenges facing clinical-stage biotech companies. The board's decision to cease product development operations comes despite positive Phase 3 ENLIGHTEN 2 data, underscoring a strategic pivot toward maximizing remaining value for shareholders.

The company's therapies were intended to treat the estimated four million CRS patients in the United States who fail medical management each year. The suspension leaves a gap in potential treatment options for these patients, though Lyra's priority moving forward is to evaluate and explore strategic alternatives to advance LYR-210 for the potential benefit of patients.

Source: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/lyra-ditches-sole-rhinosinusitis-asset-lays-all-employees