Synairgen (SNG) has released an update on its Phase II clinical trial for its wholly-owned inhaled interferon beta (IFN-beta) programme.
The trial is taking place in 15 centers around the United Kingdom and is “progressing well” according to the report.
Chief Investigator for the clinical trial Professor Tom Wilkinson noted that, “With no effective broad-spectrum antiviral treatment on the market, Synairgen's inhaled IFN-beta may provide a novel approach for COPD patients.”
Importantly, Professor Wilkinson noted that the IFN-beta programme displayed “the potential to greatly improve the patient's defences against viral infection, reduce exacerbations, increase quality of life and reduce hospitalisations."
The positive review from the central figure has pushed shares in Synairgen up over 7%.
CEO of Synairgen Richard Marsden commented on the news, “The trial is successfully capturing marked changes in COPD symptoms in patients with confirmed common cold and influenza virus infections.
We have previously shown that inhaled IFN-beta boosts the lungs' antiviral defences in COPD patients and the magnitude of the symptom changes being observed so far in the current trial puts us in a good position to determine the potential benefit of inhaled IFN-beta in this patient population."
For more news on Synairgen: