Synairgen, a UK based respiratory drug discovery and development company, is set to receive Japanese patent for its inhaled interferon beta (IFN-beta) as a treatment for rhinovirus infections in asthma and COPD patients.
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The patent is a part of patent portfolio owned by the University of Southampton, which is exclusively licensed to Synairgen.
Using in vitro human models, it was discovered that local delivery of IFN-beta to the lungs could limit the spread of virus to lungs in subjects with respiratory disease and the consequent worsening of their symptoms.
Synairgen has entered into a supply and license agreement for a patent-protected formulation of IFN-beta from the Rentschler Group in Germany.
Synairgen CEO Richard Marsden said the Japanese patent protects a significant market and complements their US and European patents.