Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith has welcomed the work of a company linked to the University of St Andrews, who are trying to develop a drug to combat Covid-19.
The politician, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said it is “heartening” to know that scientists at Pneumagen – a spin-out company of the University – are hoping to begin clinical tests of a new anti-viral drug which has had positive results in laboratory tests against the virus.
Working closely with Public Health England’s Porton facility and separately, Glasgow University’s MRC Centre for Virus Research, Pneumagen has tested the activity of its creations against Coronaviruses.
Commenting, Liz Smith said: “This work by Pneumagen has to be welcomed. It shows the pioneering work carried out by the company, which is a spin-out from the University of St Andrew’s.
“It is heartening to know this anti-viral drug has had positive results in laboratory tests.”
She continued: “Any scientific work that is aimed at producing drugs which may combat this virus has to be welcomed. I understand that the company has carried out successful studies at both Porton and Glasgow University which have involved both treating infection and blocking new infections.
“Pneumagen now wants to begin clinical testing for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19.”
Founded in 2016, Pneumagen has access to world-class scientific expertise and capabilities in glycobiology.