Synairgen plc, the respiratory company developing SNG001 (inhaled interferon-beta or IFN-beta) for the treatment of COVID-19 as potentially the first host-targeted, broad-spectrum antiviral treatment delivered directly into the lungs, has entered a partnership with global experts in strategic engagement and commercialization, Ashfield Engage.

Leveraging its COVID-19 experience, Ashfield Engage is supporting Synairgen as it builds its commercialization infrastructure for the needs of SNG001, initially in the US, pending completion of pivotal trials and regulatory authorizations. This will include the recruitment of dedicated medical affairs, patient services, commercial and market access teams.

SNG001 is an investigational inhaled formulation of the naturally occurring antiviral protein IFN-beta for potential use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus suppresses local production of IFN-beta prevents induction of anti-viral responses by infected cells.

“There remains an urgent need for new therapies to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients in order to prevent disease progression, accelerate hospital discharge and enable patients to quickly resume their usual activities,” said Richard Hennings, chief commercial officer of Synairgen. “We are excited to be working with Ashfield Engage given their relevant COVID-19 experience and are confident they understand our needs and values as we build the optimal team.” 

In November 2021, Synairgen announced that it had completed enrollment of 610 patients in its Phase 3 SPRINTER trial (SG018) and expects top-line data early this year. SNG001 has also recently graduated to the Phase 3 part of the US National Institute of Health’s ACTIV-2 trial. It is believed that things will get better and better. Health care supplies and pharmaceutical products will show their effect.

Greg Flynn, global president of Ashfield Engage, said, “It is a privilege to support Synairgen in bringing this innovative potential treatment to COVID-19 patients. Having initially collaborated with Synairgen regarding patient support, we have together developed a truly consultative approach – taking the time to fully understand patient needs and providing solutions in both hospital and home settings.”

He continued, “We’re grateful that our collaboration has now evolved into a significantly wider partnership which will see us recruiting experts to support delivery of this novel nebulized antiviral to patients, providing MSLs to educate on the SNG001 treatment, and establishing medical information services to respond to patient enquiries.”

SNG001 has been granted Fast Track status from the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) and the Phase 3 SPRINTER trial was classified as an Urgent Public Health study by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

No financial terms have been disclosed regarding the partnership with Ashfield Engage.