First inhaled interferon COVID-19 readout bolsters case for class, but more robust data needed

Data suggesting an inhaled IFNB1 product from Synairgen can reduce the chance a patient with COVID-19 develops severe disease gave a jolt to the biotech’s shares Monday, but more statistically robust data are still needed to demonstrate if and when the cytokine provides a benefit over standard of care or other antivirals.

Synairgen plc (LSE:SNG) added 153.50p (421%) to 190p Monday after reporting Phase II data for several secondary endpoints. The company did not disclose safety data or results for the primary endpoint, defined as clinical improvement on an eight-point scale, according to ClinicalTrials.gov. The dosing schedule was also undisclosed...