The pre-clinical study compared the use of aerosolised IFN-beta against placebo as either a pre-infection protective measure or as a post-infection treatment measure.
The study also reported that both pre- and post-infection administration considerably minimised viral load compared to placebo.
The placebo-controlled SG004 Phase I study in controlled asthmatics showed that IFN-beta was well tolerated, with no adverse effect on standard measures of lung function and inflammation.
The placebo-controlled SG005 Phase II study of inhaled interferon beta for the treatment of exacerbations of asthma randomised 140 to 160 subjects, and the results are expected in Q1 2012.
Synairgen CEO Richard Marsden said the company is encouraged by the data which helps to further develop IFN-beta as a novel therapeutic approach to the threats posed by respiratory viruses such as influenza, new emerging viruses and aerosolised bioterrorism threats.