ILC Therapeutics Ltd is an emerging biotechnology company focused on modulating the innate immune system through the design and development of novel hybrid interferon drug candidates. Interferons are naturally produced chemical messenger molecules that ‘interfere’ with viral reproduction; they are the body’s first and most powerful defence against all viral pathogens. However, in many cases, and these include SARS, MERS and Covid-19, viruses evolve resistance mechanisms to evade or reduce natural interferon responses. ILCT’s Hybrid Interferons are designed by identifying selected favourable attributes of naturally occurring interferon subtypes and combining them together in a new class of novel Hybrid Interferons. ILC’s Hybrid Interferons will evade natural resistance and have the potential to provide enhanced efficacy and improved safety in comparison to the natural interferon subtypes. The company was founded by Prof. W. H. Stimson FRSE, who established the Department of Immunology at The University of Strathclyde.