By Samuel Indyk
Investing.com – Synairgen (LON:SYNG) has presented in vitro potency data demonstrating antiviral activity of its SNG001 against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2. The respiratory drug development company said clinical biomarker data show inhaled SNG001 stimulates lung antiviral responses.
The data was presented at the European Scientific Working Group in Influenza conference.
During the conference. Synairgen presented in vitro data that showed SNG001 potently reduced the virus to undetectable levels in cells infected with SARS-CoV-2, including the Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants of concern at concentrations that are readily achievable following inhaled delivery.
“This study demonstrated potent antiviral activity of SNG001 against SARS-CoV-2 including Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants, which is important given the continuing emergence and global spread of variants of concern,” Synairgen Chief Scientific Officer Phillip Monk, PhD said.
The company is still investigating in vitro activity against the Delta and newly discovered Omicron variants and aims to make data available as soon as possible.
SNG001 is an inhaled interferon beta that has been granted fast track status from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of COVID-19. The Phase 3 clinical trial is currently evaluating nebulised SNG001 in patients across 17 countries.
First data is expected from the Phase 3 clinical trials early next year.
“Interferon beta production by lung cells is suppressed by the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” Dr Monk added. “We presented data showing that SNG001 activates the lungs' antiviral defences for 24 hours after a dose has been delivered, supporting our once-a-day dosing schedule.”
At 09:33GMT, shares in Synairgen were trading higher by 1.3% at 187.12 pence per share.