Synairgen is focused on developing SNG001, an investigational inhaled interferon beta product aimed at addressing the significant unmet need for effective treatments for severe viral lung infections. This innovative therapy is designed to be the first host-directed, broad-spectrum respiratory antiviral treatment that is delivered directly into the lungs. Pre-clinical research has demonstrated that SNG001 can inhibit a wide range of viruses, including those responsible for seasonal colds, influenza, and highly pathogenic viruses such as H5N1 and MERS-CoV. The product's potent antiviral activity has prompted Synairgen to explore its safety and efficacy in specific patient populations, particularly those with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The company recognizes that certain populations, including older adults and individuals with chronic airway diseases, may have compromised antiviral responses to interferon beta, placing them at a higher risk for severe respiratory illnesses. Additionally, some viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, have developed mechanisms to evade the innate immune system by suppressing interferon beta production and signaling. This understanding has led Synairgen to investigate SNG001's potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral treatment, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections, with ongoing clinical trials aimed at assessing its effectiveness in these vulnerable groups.

United Kingdom

Synairgen is a respiratory drug discovery and development company founded by University of Southampton Professors Stephen Holgate, Donna Davies and Ratko Djukanovic. The business, focused primarily on lung viral defence in asthma and COPD, uses its differentiating human biology BioBank platform and world-renowned international academic KOL network to discover and develop novel therapies for respiratory disease.  Synairgen is currently running a Phase II trial evaluating SNG001 in COPD patients and announced on 18 March 2020 a Phase II trial with SNG001 in COVID-19 patients to potentially assist with the global outbreak.

Infectious Diseases

Synairgen

COVID-19

Interferon beta (IFN-beta) is a naturally occurring protein, which orchestrates the body’s antiviral responses. There is evidence that deficiency in IFN-beta production by the lung could explain the enhanced susceptibility of these at-risk patient groups to developing severe lung disease during respiratory viral infections. Furthermore, viruses, including coronaviruses, have evolved mechanisms which suppress endogenous IFN-beta production, thereby helping the virus evade the innate immune system (<a href="https://www.synairgen.com/covid-19/">learn more)</a>.&nbsp;

SG016 / SNG001

Psoriasis

Skin disease/disorder

Interferon beta is a naturally- occurring protein, which orchestrates the body’s antiviral responses. There is evidence that deficiency in IFN-beta production by the lung could explain the enhanced susceptibility in ‘at-risk’ patient groups to developing severe lower respiratory tract (lung) disease during respiratory viral infections. Furthermore, viruses, including coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, have evolved mechanisms which suppress endogenous IFN-beta production, thereby helping the virus evade the innate immune system. The addition of exogenous IFN-beta before or during viral infection of lung cells either prevents or greatly diminishes cell damage and viral replication, respectively. Synairgen’s SNG001 is a formulation of IFN-beta-1a for direct delivery to the lungs via nebulisation. It is pH neutral, and is free of mannitol, arginine and human serum albumin, making it suitable for inhaled delivery direct to the site of action.

Synairgen

Company Details