ILC Therapeutics Enters Research Agreement with University of St Andrews

Biotechnology company, ILC Therapeutics, has revealed in a June 22, 2020 press release that it has entered into a research partnership with the University of St Andrews aimed at progressing a therapeutic drug that can treat COVID-19 to clinical trials.

The collaborative work between ILC Therapeutics and Dr. Catherine Adamson from the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, will focus on the role that Alfacyte can play in preventing COVID-19-indusced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Alfacyte is based on an Interferon Alpha subtype (Interferon Alpha 14), which ILC Therapeutics believes could be more effective than Interferon Alpha 2 (used globally for the treatment of certain COVID-19 patients) in preventing ARDS. It is hoped that by preventing ARDS, the amount of patients required to be placed on ventilators could be reduced, and that the short- and long-term damage to patients’ lungs could be limited.

“We are delighted to be working with the University of St Andrews to develop our research and work as quickly as possible to bring this potential treatment option to those who need it,” said Prof. William Stimson, chief scientific officer and founder of ILC Therapeutics, in the press release. “Dr. Adamson’s work in the field of virology is highly respected, and to have her backing in our research for Alfacyte is invaluable as we progress towards eventual clinical trials.”

Adamson added, in the press release, “I welcome the opportunity to work with ILC Therapeutics to carry out further research into the part interferons play in the innate immune system’s ability to fight COVID-19. By exploring this in more detail, we can hopefully move closer to having viable treatment options in the coming years.”

Source: ILC Therapeutics