Synairgen files for another patent on 'SNG001'

Respiratory drug development company Synairgen updated the market on its intellectual property for the wholly-owned inhaled interferon beta asset ‘SNG001’ on Wednesday.

The AIM-traded firm said that, following the results of its interim analysis of the exploratory phase 2 clinical trial of inhaled SNG001 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, it has submitted a patent application for the use of inhaled interferon beta to treat virus-induced exacerbations in COPD patients undergoing treatment with systemic corticosteroids.

Prior to that, in July, Synairgen also submitted a patent application for the use of inhaled interferon beta in Covid-19 patients.

The board said it would update the market on the progress of those patent applications.

“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,” said chief executive officer Richard Marsden.

“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.”

At 1221 BST, shares in Synairgen were down 2.56% at 190p.