IFNβ in COPD

Interferon Beta (‘IFNβ’) in rhinovirus-induced COPD exacerbations

COPD, which is predominantly caused by smoking, is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide and is an area of significant unmet clinical need. Up to 60% of all COPD exacerbations are preceded by the common cold. The common cold (predominantly rhinovirus) is a major factor contributing to worsening of COPD symptoms (exacerbations) and resultant hospitalisations. Currently there are no satisfactory treatments available to address this significant unmet need.

Background

  • Intellectual property was exclusively in-licensed from the University of Southampton for the use of IFNβ in protecting asthmatic and COPD subjects from exacerbations induced by the common cold virus

  • COPD cells are more susceptible to the common cold virus infections compared to cells from non-smoking healthy control subjects

  • Low levels of IFNβ protect COPD bronchial epithelial cells from the common cold virus infection

  • This data supports the development of inhaled IFNβ to prevent or treat common cold induced exacerbations of COPD

Next steps

Synairgen’s inhaled IFNβ programme for asthma is currently in Phase I trials. Successful completion of these trials will help to accelerate clinical studies for this additional indication in COPD.

COPD statistics

  • COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the USA: 122,283 (2003)1
  • The economic cost to the US of COPD is $37.2 billion2
  • Direct health expenditure on COPD in the US is $20.9 billion
    (asthma $11.5 billion)2
  • Research by the SUPPORT investigators estimated the average cost of a hospitalisation for a severe COPD patient to be $7,1003
  • The global market for COPD drugs is forecast to increase from $4 billion to $7 billion by 20104

References

  1. National Center for Health Statistics. Report of Final Mortality Statistics, 2003
  2. Morbidity & Mortality: 2004 Chart Book on cardiovascular, lung, and blood diseases produced by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
  3. Connors AF Jr et al. Outcomes following acute exacerbation of severe chronic obstructive lung disease. The SUPPORT investigators. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1996; 154:959-967.
  4. Espicom Business Intelligence: New Drug Futures: Respiratory Chapter 2006