Synairgen lung disease drug 'well tolerated' in phase II trial

The trial of the AIM-traded company’s lead drug, which is an antiviral therapy for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was designed to examine its benefit to patients when they have a cold or flu infection which exacerbates COPD symptoms.

SNG001 is an inhaled interferon beta which has been shown to “orchestrate” antiviral defence mechanisms to protect COPD lung cells from cold and flu viruses in in vitro models.

The therapy is also touted as a possible solution to the increased risk of pneumonia associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids to treat exacerbations in COPD.

COPD is a lung disease punctuated by periods of exacerbation which involve worsening of symptoms, which is the second most common cause of hospitalization, and a patient who catches a cold risks a 50% chance of suffering such exacerbation according to Synairgen.

Richard Marsden, chief executive of Synairgen, said: "We look forward to seeing the biomarker analysis, which is due in the near term to see whether SNG001 has switched on the antiviral defence mechanisms. Changes in biomarkers translated into clinical benefit in phase II trials in asthma. Therefore, if we see similar biomarker changes in this study, it will greatly increase our confidence in the potential of SNG001 in COPD, where colds and flu can cause more severe symptoms than in asthma."

The next trial will take place over the coming winter and will measure efficacy endpoints and biomarker levels in 80 patients with confirmed respiratory viruses.

As of 0849 BST, Synairgen’s shares were up 7.41% at 14.50p.