AstraZeneca licenses Synairgen's SNG001 therapy
AstraZeneca has secured a global license for Synairgen's SNG001, an inhaled therapy in development for viral-induced asthma exacerbations. A Phase IIa study in severe asthma patients is planned for early 2015.
AstraZeneca has entered into a global license agreement with Synairgen Plc to develop SNG001, an inhaled therapy for patients with severe asthma experiencing viral exacerbations. The inhaled interferon beta (IFN-beta) treatment aims to correct a deficiency that makes asthma patients vulnerable to respiratory tract viral infections.
Under the terms of the deal, AstraZeneca will pay Synairgen an upfront fee of $7.25 million and up to $225 million in potential development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. AstraZeneca will also pay tiered royalties on future sales and will fund future development costs.
A Phase IIa study is slated to begin in early 2015. This new study will focus on patients with severe asthma, building on earlier clinical data. The company indicated that SNG001 also presents an opportunity to expand clinical programs into other pulmonary diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
SNG001 is designed to support the immune system by delivering IFN-beta to the lungs. This aims to prevent or reduce the severity of exacerbations triggered by viral infections like the common cold, for which effective treatments are currently lacking.