Questions

Interferon beta 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.

Currently, there are no broad-spectrum antivirals available to treat the wide range of viral infections that result in millions of hospitalisations each year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the urgent need for such treatments both now and in preparation for a future respiratory endemic or pandemic.

SNG001 is Synairgen’s investigational inhaled formulation of IFN-β which we are currently developing as a broad-spectrum antiviral for the treatment of severe viral lung infections.

SNG001 is designed to restore the body’s levels of naturally occurring IFN-β in the lungs where suppression of its production has been caused by a viral pathogen – allowing the affected individual the ability to fight off infection.

SNG001 is an inhaled formulation which is administered via a nebuliser.

SNG001 is still being investigated and is not approved for use anywhere in the world and is therefore not available for patients or clinicians commercially.

In addition to its antiviral properties, IFN-β is critical for modulation of both innate and adaptive immune cells. It can decrease pro-inflammatory cytokine release and raise anti-inflammatory cytokine production to affect immune cell proliferation and differentiation status. Its anti-inflammatory actions are already exploited clinically in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. For more information on IFN-β, please see our Science page.