The partnership will leverage SNG001, Synairgen's inhaled IFN-beta COVID-19 candidate. Synairgen reported positive results and safety, biomarker, and efficacy data from a phase II trial of the candidate in 101 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 this summer.

As part of the partnership, Akron Biotech will provide current good manufacturing practices (cGMP)-compliant solutions to aid in developing and commercializing Synairgen's candidate. The partnership leverages Akron's recombinant protein manufacturing expertise and large-scale production capacity to rapidly scale SNG001 production, the companies noted.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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