The University of St Andrews is partnering with biotechnology firm, ILC Therapeutics in researching a drug for Covid-19 clinical trials.
Dr Catherine Adamson from the School of Biology will be working with the company in order to research how the drug Alfacyte could prevent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The prevention of ARDS is believed to reduce the need of ventilators for patients as well as averting short-term and long-term damage to the lungs.
Speaking of the new partnership, ILC Therapeutics Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Professor William Stimson said, “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.”
He continued, “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.”
Dr Adamson is an expert in virology and the development of antiviral drugs, having worked in the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) HIV Drug Resistance Program.
Dr Adamson said, “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.”
