A new potentially life-saving inhaler-based treatment which is expected will defend COVID-19 patients from developing severe illness has commenced a major trial at hospitals in the United Kingdom. It involves inhaling a protein called interferon beta-1a (SNG001), which the body produces when it gets a viral infection, and the expectation is it will kindle the body’s immune system and prime cells to be ready to fight off viruses.
Notably, Synairgen’s SG018 trial is a randomized placebo-controlled study being conducted in approximately 20 countries enrolling a total of 610 COVID-19 patients who require supplemental oxygen. “We need treatments as well as vaccines to fight highly pathogenic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19]. Development of treatments like ours will remain necessary in cases where vaccines are not effective, for those who do not get vaccinated, and in case the virus mutates to the point where vaccines become less effective,” said Richard Marsden, CEO of Synairgen.
“We believe this trial presents an opportunity for a significant UK scientific breakthrough and if given the right support, our drug could rapidly assist with the global crisis,” he said.
After reporting the results for the primary and key secondary endpoints of the study, enrolled patients will continue to be assessed for long-COVID-19 symptoms.
Synairgen is a clinical-stage respiratory drug discovery and development company founded by University of Southampton Professors Sir Stephen Holgate, Donna Davies and Ratko Djukanovic.
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