Synairgen PLC has reported promising results from a trial of its drug SNG001, a special formulation of interferon beta, in treating COVID-19 patients. The trial, involving 101 participants, demonstrated that patients receiving SNG001 were two to three times more likely to recover compared to those given a placebo. This breakthrough could represent a significant advancement in managing the severity of COVID-19 infections.
Clinical Trial Outcomes
The study revealed that patients administered SNG001 via a powerful inhaler experienced a 79% reduction in the likelihood of developing severe illness. These findings suggest that SNG001 has the potential to significantly reduce the burden on healthcare systems by decreasing the number of patients requiring intensive care. Richard Marsden, Synairgen's chief executive, emphasized the personal satisfaction of seeing a created drug effectively treating patients.
The Science Behind SNG001
The development of SNG001 stems from the discovery by professors Ratko Djukanovic, Stephen Holgate, and Donna Davies that individuals with asthma and chronic lung disease often lack the protein interferon beta. Interferon beta plays a crucial role in the body's defense against viral infections, including the common cold. By replenishing this missing protein, SNG001 aims to enhance the body's natural ability to combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Scaled-Up Production
In light of the positive trial results, Rentschler, the drug's manufacturer, has been requested to increase production to over a million doses. This scale-up is a proactive measure in anticipation of potential future waves of COVID-19, ensuring that SNG001 is readily available for widespread use.
Ongoing Research
Further studies are underway to assess the efficacy of SNG001 in patients with milder COVID-19 symptoms at home. This expansion of the research aims to determine whether early intervention with SNG001 can reduce the overall number of hospitalizations and further mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
