Synairgen plc

Leveraging its scientific and clinical facilities at Southampton General Hospital, the Company uses in vitro and ex vivo models to progress opportunities into clinical development. Its differentiating human biology BioBank platform of human tissue samples is used in these models to increase confidence in the likelihood of successful drug development.

The company’s SG016 Phase II trial of SNG001 in hospitalised COVID-19 patients produced positive topline results in July 2020, with more detailed results of primary endpoint analysis disclosed in September 2020. The results of this trial were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal in November 2020, and can be accessed here.

Results from the Home Cohort of the SG016 trial, alongside an analysis of combined data from the Hospital and Home Cohorts, were announced by Synairgen on 30 April 2021. The results of the trial and combined cohort analysis can be accessed here.

Results from in vitro studies showing the antiviral activity of SNG001 against two SARS-CoV-2 variants, the 'UK or Kent' and 'South African' variants, were announced on 24 May 2021. Full details can be accessed here.

Interim analysis of SG015, Synairgen’s Phase II trial evaluating inhaled interferon beta (SNG001) in COPD patients, was conducted in September 2020. SNG001 was seen to be well tolerated in the older patient population and produced antiviral data which supports the COVID-19 program. This can be accessed here.

Part of Synairgen’s business strategy is the realisation of value via licensing transactions. In August 2015 the Company entered into a collaboration with Pharmaxis to develop an oral LOXL2 inhibitor to reduce fibrosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In December 2017 the collaboration agreement was amended as Pharmaxis took on full responsibility for the programme, with Synairgen receiving a £5 million upfront payment and circa 17% of any future net partnering proceeds from all fibrotic indications.

Synairgen is quoted on AIM (LSE: SNG).

Respiratory research has been hampered by the inability of animal models to truly replicate disease pathology and chronicity, as well as the impact of environmental factors such as viruses, cigarette smoke and other inflammatory agents.

Over the years, Synairgen has accumulated an extensive BioBank comprised of blood, sputum, nasal lavage, biopsies, bronchial epithelial cells and fibroblasts from well-characterised volunteers with asthma or COPD (and relevant controls). Using this resource, Synairgen has developed a number of advanced tissue models.

These models include:

In vitro models:

• Primary bronchial epithelial cell cultures
• Differentiated epithelial cells (using an air liquid interface model)
• Primary bronchial fibroblast cultures
• 3D fibroblastic focus model using cells from IPF patients
• Biopsies

Ex vivo models:

• Explant cultures
• Blood assays

Synairgen can utilise these models to:

• Discover novel drug targets
• Identify disease-related lesions and underlying molecular mechanisms
• Conduct proof of concept testing and validation of novel drug targets
• Conduct screening assays for novel drug targets and lead target selection
• Provide support for clinical trial activities

Once targets have been validated in the laboratory, Synairgen’s clinical team has the proven experience and capability to design and run appropriate Phase I and II proof of concept clinical trials.