Interferon β
Interferon beta (IFN-β) is a naturally occurring protein, which orchestrates the body's antiviral responses. Viruses, including coronaviruses, have evolved mechanisms which suppress natural IFN-β production, thereby helping the virus evade the immune system.
Inhaled Interferon β
In the laboratory, IFN-β has been shown to protect cells from infection with a broad range of respiratory viruses that cause lower respiratory illness including highly pathogenic coronavirus strains, including MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19.
Synairgen has developed a formulation of IFN-β (SNG001) for direct delivery to the lungs via inhalation that is being investigated as a treatment for COVID-19 patients.
Not all antivirals are the same
Watch this short animation to learn the difference between host-directed antivirals and directing acting antivirals.
Programmes & Clinical Trials
Synairgen's primary focus is developing inhaled interferon beta to meet the urgent need for the treatment of COVID-19.