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AstraZeneca licenses IFN-beta therapy for viral-induced asthma exacerbation

AstraZeneca has announced a global licensing agreement with Synairgen for a novel, inhaled interferon beta for treating respiratory tract viral infections in patients with severe asthma, according to a press release.

SNG001’s broad spectrum anti-viral effect delivers interferon beta (IFN-beta) to the lungs when an infection, such as a common cold, begins development in the upper airways, according to the release.

“Inhaled IFN-beta boosts the anti-viral defense and combats the spread of the virus, preventing or reducing the severity of exacerbations,” the release said.

AstraZeneca agreed to pay Synairgen a $7.25 million upfront fee and “potential development, regulatory and commercial milestones up to $225 million,” according to the release. AstraZeneca also will pay tiered royalties and be responsible for future development costs.

“SNG001 is an innovative and targeted therapy that has, if successful, the potential to offer a step-change in the treatment of severe asthma, and possibly COPD,” Maarten Kraan, PhD, AstraZeneca’s head of respiratory, inflammation and autoimmune innovative medicines, said in the release.

The company will conduct a phase 2a study in patients with severe asthma, building upon data from a previous phase 2a study, in early 2015, according to the release.