AstraZeneca PLC (LON:AZN) has returned the rights to a promising respiratory drug for ‘strategic reasons’, according to an update from pharma giant.
Synairgen plc (LON:SNG), which developed and out-licensed AZD9412, believes the interferon beta candidate has potential.
Based on the biomarker, lung function and safety data, it may be developed to treat lung diseases where viral infections are a real problem, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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First, Synairgen wants to see the data from the AZ study of asthma patients.
"We remain positive about the potential of inhaled interferon beta, particularly for patients with COPD who suffer due to respiratory viruses,” said chief executive Richard Marsden.
“Once we have completed the data analysis, we will provide an update on the programme and our plans for future development."
Looking ahead, the company will complete toxicology studies on its LOXL2 candidate, designed to reduce fibrosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and plans to take it into a phase I clinical trial later this year.