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): if a COPD patient catches a cold, there is a 50% chance that it will lead to an exacerbation of their disease. Many exacerbating COPD patients will be hospitalised, with associated health economic consequences. Up to 10% of COPD hospitalisations result in death. Currently there are no satisfactory treatments available to address this significant unmet need.

Background

  • 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

  • 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. This patent was granted in the USA in August 2009 and in Europe in May 2010

Next steps

Synairgen’s inhaled IFNβ programme for asthma has successfully completed Phase I trials. Synairgen is planning to commence a Phase II proof of concept study for COPD in 2010

COPD statistics

  • COPD is forecast to be the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide (after heart attack and stroke) by 20301
  • The economic cost to the US of COPD is $42.6 billion2
  • 12 million adults in the USA have reported a physician diagnosis of COPD and it is estimated that another 12 million may have COPD but do not realise it3
  • In 2006 there were 672,000 hospitalisations for COPD in the USA4
  • Research by the SUPPORT investigators estimated the average cost of a hospitalisation for a severe COPD patient to be $7,1005
  • The global market for COPD drugs is forecast to increase from $4 billion to $7 billion by 20106

References

  1. World Health Organisation website (http://www.who.int/respiratory/copd/burden/en/index.htm)
  2. Morbidity & Mortality: 2007 Chart Book on cardiovascular, lung, and blood diseases produced by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
  3. US National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/index.htm)
  4. American Lung Association: Trends in COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema): Morbidity and Mortality. April 2009 www.lungusa.org
  5. 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.
  6. Espicom Business Intelligence: New Drug Futures: Respiratory Chapter 2006