Synairgen PLC (LON:SNG) noted that it has submitted a patent application for its inhaled interferon beta asset, SNG001.
The AIM-listed respiratory drug developer said the application is to use SNG001 to treat virus-induced exacerbations in patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and undergoing treatment with systemic corticosteroids.
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The application follows the results of interim analysis of Synairgen’s exploratory Phase II clinical trial of SNG001 in COPD patients, released on Tuesday, which revealed that the treatment is well tolerated in the older population studied and that lung antiviral responses were “significantly enhanced”.
The patent submission follows a similar application by Synairgen in July for the use of inhaled interferon beta in coronavirus (COVID-19) patients.
"We are very pleased to have generated patentable findings for our wholly-owned inhaled interferon beta candidate, SNG001, in both COPD and COVID-19 patients”, Synairgen chief executive Richard Marsden said in a statement.
“Whilst recognising that the COPD trial data provide a strong rationale for assessing SNG001 in COPD patients with severe viral lung infections, our immediate priority is to progress SNG001 as a therapeutic for COVID-19. Together with our advisors we are working to protect the value of this drug for shareholders and commercial partners over the longer term", he added.