8 Best Anti-COVID Nasal Sprays (2024)
Do nasal sprays actually work against COVID-19? There has been quite a lot
of activities in the COVID nasal spray space. Below, we look at some of the
best nasal sprays for COVID-19 and summaries of the rationale and evidence
for each category. Do note that some of them are available as an
over-the-counter medication but some are still under clinical trial stage.
Best Nasal Sprays for COVID-19 2024
There are lots of great nasal sprays out there, and this list is by no
means complete. We’ve included nasal sprays with proven anti-COVID-19
ingredient, you can buy over the counter or online.
1. Povidone Iodine Nasal Spray and COVID-19
Povidone iodine (PVP-I) is an antiseptic that has been used for over
150 years. The antiseptic has immediate virucidal effects against
COVID-19 virus. Do we have any evidence that povidone iodine is
effective against COVID-19?
There are 20 published studies supporting povidone-iodine for
COVID-19. You can check out the list at c19pvpi.com (constantly updated).
Povidone-iodine is ranked no. 3 in this COVID-19 early treatment
death-rate league table below.
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2. Xlear Natural Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol (Available on Amazon)
Balmforth et al (Oct 2022), conducted a prospective Randomized
double-blind, placebo-Controlled Trial (RCT) of a xylitol
based nasal spray in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in
exposed healthcare workers in two hospitals in Uttar Pradesh,
India. Xylitol is known to have anti-infective and
anti-inflammatory properties and is used in XLEAR nasal spray
and anti-infective chewing gum to prevent dental caries.
Balmforth found that SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by
serology was 71% lower with xylitol compared to placebo [36
cases (13.1%) Vs 97 cases (34.5%); p < 0.0001]. Fewer
clinical symptoms were also seen in the test group [57 cases
(17.6%) vs 112 cases (34.6%), p < 0.0001]. No harmful
effects were associated with xylitol.
A smaller clinical study (Jul 2022) of xylitol nasal spray in mild COVID-19
cases demonstrated that persistent loss of smell may be
eliminated with xylitol nasal spray during the acute
congestion phase.
“Nasal sprays are proven safe, inexpensive, non-invasive, easy
to use and you can get them off-the-shelf at your local store
around the world. There is a growing body of data that sprays,
in particular Xlear, can help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s pure commonsense,” Nathan Jones, chief executive officer of Xlear said in a
statement.
In March 2021, Xlear filed a Pre-Emergency Use Authorization request with
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in hopes of securing
authorization of the spray as a new hygiene tool to help in
combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Xlear isn’t the only nasal spray that is showing promise
in providing another level of protection against COVID-19, which
has infected nearly 100 million people across the globe and led
to the deaths more than 2 million people.
Xlear Xylitol nasal spray where to buy: Xylitol is available as XLEAR in US pharmacies and
on Amazon.
Balmforth et al (Oct 2022), conducted a prospective Randomized
double-blind, placebo-Controlled Trial (RCT) of a xylitol
based nasal spray in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in
exposed healthcare workers in two hospitals in Uttar Pradesh,
India. Xylitol is known to have anti-infective and
anti-inflammatory properties and is used in XLEAR nasal spray
and anti-infective chewing gum to prevent dental caries.
Balmforth found that SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by
serology was 71% lower with xylitol compared to placebo [36
cases (13.1%) Vs 97 cases (34.5%); p < 0.0001]. Fewer
clinical symptoms were also seen in the test group [57 cases
(17.6%) vs 112 cases (34.6%), p < 0.0001]. No harmful
effects were associated with xylitol.
A smaller clinical study (Jul 2022) of xylitol nasal spray in mild COVID-19
cases demonstrated that persistent loss of smell may be
eliminated with xylitol nasal spray during the acute
congestion phase.
“Nasal sprays are proven safe, inexpensive, non-invasive, easy to use and you can get them off-the-shelf at your local store around the world. There is a growing body of data that sprays, in particular Xlear, can help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s pure commonsense,” Nathan Jones, chief executive officer of Xlear said in a statement.
In March 2021, Xlear filed a Pre-Emergency Use Authorization request with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in hopes of securing authorization of the spray as a new hygiene tool to help in combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Xlear isn’t the only nasal spray that is showing promise in providing another level of protection against COVID-19, which has infected nearly 100 million people across the globe and led to the deaths more than 2 million people.
Xlear Xylitol nasal spray where to buy: Xylitol is available as XLEAR in US pharmacies and
on Amazon.
3. Saline Nasal Spray and Irrigation
According to research (Double blind randomized controlled trial of saline solution
gargling and nasal rinsing in COVID infection) presented at the annual meeting of the American College of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in early November 2023,
gargling and rinsing your nasal passages with a simple saline
solution can ease the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 and reduce
your risk of hospitalization.
The results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed
medical journal. As reported in an ACAAI press release,1 both
high- and low-dose saline regimens, consisting of gargling and
nasal rinsing four times a day for 14 days, were associated with
significantly lower hospitalization rates for COVID-19 infections
compared to the reference population.
A study, published in the Ear, Nose & Throat journal in August 2022, showed that rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution
within 24 hours of a COVID-19 diagnosis could reduce your chances of
being hospitalized by 8.5-fold. According to the researchers:
"Our results support that pressurized nasal irrigation reduces
the likelihood of hospitalization in high-risk COVID-19 +
outpatients, suggesting a safe and over the counter measure with
potentially vital public health impact."
Another study (2021) proposing a simple prevention/treatment method
that can be made/applied in just about any country, regardless of
how poor and remote it is. Namely, a simple solution of salt in
water, such that the concentration of salt is about 1.5% (e.g.
commonly known as “hypertonic”) in the solution, had a 100%
effectiveness of stopping SARS-CoV-2 replication.
This effectiveness actually exceeds the results (90% inhibition)
demonstrated by the study on low-dose vitamin E mentioned above.
As the study says, this simple hypertonic saline solution can be
administered as a nasal spray as a prophylactic method, or for
treating early stages of the infection. For already established or
more severe cases affecting the lungs, a nebulizer may have to be
used so that the salt vapors can reach the lower regions of the
respiratory tract.
The mechanism of action for the anti-viral effects of the saline
is remarkably simple – i.e. the extra salt from the solution
accumulates into the cells, which forces them to expend ATP in
order to re-balance the electrolyte gradient, and this limits the
amount of ATP available for viral replication. Since virtually all
viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, depend for their survival on being
able to hijack ATP for their own replication this study suggests
hypertonic saline may be a universally applicable antiviral
treatment.
Nozin Nasal Sanitizer - Available on Amazon
According to research (Double blind randomized controlled trial of saline solution
gargling and nasal rinsing in COVID infection) presented at the annual meeting of the American College of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in early November 2023,
gargling and rinsing your nasal passages with a simple saline
solution can ease the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 and reduce
your risk of hospitalization.
The results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. As reported in an ACAAI press release,1 both high- and low-dose saline regimens, consisting of gargling and nasal rinsing four times a day for 14 days, were associated with significantly lower hospitalization rates for COVID-19 infections compared to the reference population.
A study, published in the Ear, Nose & Throat journal in August 2022, showed that rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution
within 24 hours of a COVID-19 diagnosis could reduce your chances of
being hospitalized by 8.5-fold. According to the researchers:
"Our results support that pressurized nasal irrigation reduces
the likelihood of hospitalization in high-risk COVID-19 +
outpatients, suggesting a safe and over the counter measure with
potentially vital public health impact."
Another study (2021) proposing a simple prevention/treatment method
that can be made/applied in just about any country, regardless of
how poor and remote it is. Namely, a simple solution of salt in
water, such that the concentration of salt is about 1.5% (e.g.
commonly known as “hypertonic”) in the solution, had a 100%
effectiveness of stopping SARS-CoV-2 replication.
This effectiveness actually exceeds the results (90% inhibition)
demonstrated by the study on low-dose vitamin E mentioned above.
As the study says, this simple hypertonic saline solution can be
administered as a nasal spray as a prophylactic method, or for
treating early stages of the infection. For already established or
more severe cases affecting the lungs, a nebulizer may have to be
used so that the salt vapors can reach the lower regions of the
respiratory tract.
The mechanism of action for the anti-viral effects of the saline
is remarkably simple – i.e. the extra salt from the solution
accumulates into the cells, which forces them to expend ATP in
order to re-balance the electrolyte gradient, and this limits the
amount of ATP available for viral replication. Since virtually all
viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, depend for their survival on being
able to hijack ATP for their own replication this study suggests
hypertonic saline may be a universally applicable antiviral
treatment.
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Nozin Nasal Sanitizer - Available on Amazon |
4. Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS)
Nitric oxide is a type of gas that’s found all throughout your
body. It has many jobs, but one of its key roles is helping regulate your immune system. Because of this, researchers are curious if nitric oxide nasal
sprays could help treat mild cases of COVID-19.
A
randomized controlled trial (Lancet, July 2022) involving mild-infection COVID-19 patients found that nitric oxide
nasal spray can accelerate virus clearance. Patients receiving the
nasal spray tested negative approximately four days sooner than those
in the control group.
So far, this type of research has been influential in some countries. For instance, one nitric oxide nasal spray — called Enovid — is already available in Israel and on Amazon.com.
Co-Founder and CEO Gilly Regev shared with TrialSite’s Founder Daniel O’Connor, “SaNOtize is excited to have Glenmark as our partner for
manufacturing and distribution in India. We share the vision for
this product and hoping it will become the first line of treatment
and defence against respiratory viral infections.”
So far, this type of research has been influential in some countries. For instance, one nitric oxide nasal spray — called Enovid — is already available in Israel and on Amazon.com.
The product is authorized as a medical device targeting COVID-19
in India, Israel, Bahrain, Indonesia and Thailand.
Canadian biotech SaNOtize’s nitric oxide nasal spray Enovid became available in pharmacies in Israel in July 2021 as a treatment for Covid-19.
The spray received emergency use authorisation in Israel in early July 2021 after Phase II trials showed it reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load, and therefore decrease a person’s transmission of the virus.
Releasing a small dose of nitric oxide, a natural nanomolecule with anti-microbial properties including against SARS-CoV-2, Enovid provides a physical and chemical barrier in the nose.
In June 2021, SaNOtize announced it had received approval from Health Canada to proceed with enrolment of volunteers in Phase III trials, and submitted an application for a New Drug Submission under Health Canada’s Interim Order.
NONS is the only novel therapeutic treatment so far proven to reduce viral load in humans that is not a monoclonal antibody treatment. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific, expensive and must be administered intravenously in a clinical setting.
“I expect this to be a major advance in the global battle against the devastating human impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Stephen Winchester, Consultant Medical Virologist and Chief Investigator of this NHS Clinical Trial.
SaNOtize Seeking Emergency Use Authorization in UK and Canada
SaNOtize is applying to regulatory authorities in the UK and Canada for Emergency Use authorization. Swift approval and ramp-up of manufacturing could facilitate an almost immediate safe return to work, school and society, and spur an economic recovery that is months – if not years – ahead of full global vaccination.
Wide-scale equitable global availability of NONS could form a bridge during the global production and distribution of vaccines to help keep people safe and healthy. The ease of NONS manufacture, storage and use makes NONS a treatment candidate that could soon be widely available at low-cost for long-term care facilities, healthcare and frontline workers, and the general population.
In addition to providing antiviral treatment in the early stages of infection and for those who have yet to be vaccinated, NONS has also demonstrated that it could also reduce infectivity – the frequency of transmission from an infected person to a non-infected person.
The results of the UK trial corroborate the information gathered from SaNOtize’s earlier Phase 2 trials in Canada and independent lab tests at Utah State University’s Antiviral Research Institute.
“Now that NONS has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in clinical trials, we must move with urgency to get it into the hands of the public where it can help bring an end to the pandemic, accelerate a return to normality, and prevent future outbreaks of COVID-19 and its variants,” said Dr. Gilly Regev, CEO and co-founder of SaNOtize. “The human toll of this disease cannot be expressed simply in numbers, and each day compounds the frustration, fear and loss suffered by millions around the world. Combined with the roll-out of vaccines, NONS can help get the world back on its feet.”
Positive Phase 3 Study Results
In February 2022, the company reported a Phase 3 trial achieve its primary endpoint while demonstrating a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 log viral load in COVID-19 patients by over 94% within 24 hours of treatment. Within 48 hours the viral load was wiped out by 99%.
Moreover, a greater proportion of people in the high risk group, numbering 218, achieved a combination of clinical and virological cure, based on the WHO Progression Scale. They report a stunning medical time to virological cure at 4 days in the treatment group and eight days in the placebo group (p<0.05). Moreover, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals received manufacturing and marketing approval for the Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) as part of an accelerated approval process.
Canadian biotech SaNOtize’s nitric oxide nasal spray Enovid became available in pharmacies in Israel in July 2021 as a treatment for Covid-19.
The spray received emergency use authorisation in Israel in early July 2021 after Phase II trials showed it reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load, and therefore decrease a person’s transmission of the virus.
Releasing a small dose of nitric oxide, a natural nanomolecule with anti-microbial properties including against SARS-CoV-2, Enovid provides a physical and chemical barrier in the nose.
In June 2021, SaNOtize announced it had received approval from Health Canada to proceed with enrolment of volunteers in Phase III trials, and submitted an application for a New Drug Submission under Health Canada’s Interim Order.
NONS is the only novel therapeutic treatment so far proven to reduce viral load in humans that is not a monoclonal antibody treatment. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific, expensive and must be administered intravenously in a clinical setting.
“I expect this to be a major advance in the global battle against the devastating human impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Stephen Winchester, Consultant Medical Virologist and Chief Investigator of this NHS Clinical Trial.
“This simple portable nasal spray could be highly effective in
the treatment of COVID-19 and reducing onward transmission.
Our trial included patients with a variant of concern and high
viral loads yet still demonstrated significant reductions in
the levels of SARS-CoV-2, which could be critical in
supporting vaccines, preventing future outbreaks and safely
reopening economies. Simply stated, I think this could be
revolutionary.”
The SaNOtize treatment is designed to kill the virus in the upper airways, preventing it from incubating and spreading to the lungs. It is based on nitric oxide (NO), a natural nanomolecule produced by the human body with proven anti-microbial properties shown to have a direct effect on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The pharmacology, toxicity, and safety data for NO use in humans has been well-established for decades. The NO molecule released from NONS is identical to the one delivered in its gaseous form to treat persistent pulmonary hypertension, or Blue Baby Syndrome, in newborn babies.
The SaNOtize treatment is designed to kill the virus in the upper airways, preventing it from incubating and spreading to the lungs. It is based on nitric oxide (NO), a natural nanomolecule produced by the human body with proven anti-microbial properties shown to have a direct effect on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The pharmacology, toxicity, and safety data for NO use in humans has been well-established for decades. The NO molecule released from NONS is identical to the one delivered in its gaseous form to treat persistent pulmonary hypertension, or Blue Baby Syndrome, in newborn babies.
SaNOtize Seeking Emergency Use Authorization in UK and Canada
SaNOtize is applying to regulatory authorities in the UK and Canada for Emergency Use authorization. Swift approval and ramp-up of manufacturing could facilitate an almost immediate safe return to work, school and society, and spur an economic recovery that is months – if not years – ahead of full global vaccination.
Wide-scale equitable global availability of NONS could form a bridge during the global production and distribution of vaccines to help keep people safe and healthy. The ease of NONS manufacture, storage and use makes NONS a treatment candidate that could soon be widely available at low-cost for long-term care facilities, healthcare and frontline workers, and the general population.
In addition to providing antiviral treatment in the early stages of infection and for those who have yet to be vaccinated, NONS has also demonstrated that it could also reduce infectivity – the frequency of transmission from an infected person to a non-infected person.
The results of the UK trial corroborate the information gathered from SaNOtize’s earlier Phase 2 trials in Canada and independent lab tests at Utah State University’s Antiviral Research Institute.
“Now that NONS has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in clinical trials, we must move with urgency to get it into the hands of the public where it can help bring an end to the pandemic, accelerate a return to normality, and prevent future outbreaks of COVID-19 and its variants,” said Dr. Gilly Regev, CEO and co-founder of SaNOtize. “The human toll of this disease cannot be expressed simply in numbers, and each day compounds the frustration, fear and loss suffered by millions around the world. Combined with the roll-out of vaccines, NONS can help get the world back on its feet.”
Positive Phase 3 Study Results
In February 2022, the company reported a Phase 3 trial achieve its primary endpoint while demonstrating a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 log viral load in COVID-19 patients by over 94% within 24 hours of treatment. Within 48 hours the viral load was wiped out by 99%.
Moreover, a greater proportion of people in the high risk group, numbering 218, achieved a combination of clinical and virological cure, based on the WHO Progression Scale. They report a stunning medical time to virological cure at 4 days in the treatment group and eight days in the placebo group (p<0.05). Moreover, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals received manufacturing and marketing approval for the Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) as part of an accelerated approval process.
In late August 2022, it was also reported that Enovid’s
manufacturer raised $24M to fund an ongoing phase 3 prevention trial.
Sanotize Nasal Spray Where to Buy | Enovid Nasal Spray Amazon
Canadian biotech SaNOtize’s nitric oxide nasal spray Enovid
became available in pharmacies in Israel in July 2021 as a
treatment for Covid-19. You can purchase it online on Amazon.com.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has signed a partnership with Canadian company SaNOtize Research &
Development Corp., to manufacture, market and distribute
Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) for COVID-19 treatment in
India and Asian markets including Malaysia, Singapore, Hong
Kong, Taiwan, Brunei, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri
Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
5. Iota-Carrageenan Nasal Spray for COVID-19
Iota-carrageenan nasal spray is also being studied as a way to
prevent COVID-19. Iota-carrageenan is a sugar that comes from
algae.
Marinomed Biotech AG (VSE:MARI), an Austrian science-based
biotech company with globally marketed therapeutics derived from
innovative proprietary technology platforms, announced today
that Carragelose inactivates the new, rapidly spreading variants
and SARS-CoV-2 wildtype with similar efficacy in vitro. The
Company tested the three variants that currently mostly drive
the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the so-called British or B.1.1.7,
the South-African or B.1.351, and the Brazilian or P1
variant.[*] The data demonstrate that also with increasing
prevalence of virus variants, the marketed OTC Carragelose-based
lozenges, nasal and throat sprays will continue to effectively
contribute to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major health, social,
and economic burden, and we now see variants of SARS-CoV-2
taking over the dynamics of the pandemic. We are very
confident in these results that show Carragelose inactivates
SARS-CoV-2, independent of the mutations we tested,” said Dr. Eva Prieschl-Grassauer, Chief Scientific Officer at
Marinomed. “Given the broad antiviral efficacy and the physical mode of
action, we were convinced that SARS‑CoV‑2 variants are
unlikely to evade the antiviral efficacy of Carragelose. With
these new results we confirmed the hypothesis that our
Carragelose-based products continue to be effective also
against the mutations of concern currently emerging strongly.
We believe that this will hold true for any future
variants.”
In recent in vitro tests, Marinomed included four
lentiviruses differently pseudotyped with the spike protein of
wild-type SARS-CoV-2 or one of the three variants B.1.1.7,
B1.351 and P1, respectively. Carragelose was able to inactivate
all four virus forms at concentrations below 5 µg/ml. This is
clinically relevant for the use of Carragelose-containing
products: The marketed nasal sprays have a Carragelose
concentration of 1.2 mg / ml, a more than 200-fold higher dose
as shown to be effective in vitro. The non-sulfated polymers
HPMC and CMC were ineffective even at the highest concentrations
tested.
In addition, two of the three SARS-CoV-2
variants (B1.1.7 and B1.351) were independently tested in Vero
cell tissue culture in cooperation with the virological
institute of the University Hospital Erlangen, Germany.
Carragelose showed similar effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2
wild type and the tested variants.
Marinomed’s
lentivirus data show the ability of Carragelose to prevent the
virus from attaching to the host cell. The infectious virus
particles used in the cooperation with the virological institute
of the University Hospital Erlangen mimic the effect of an
actual infection, where the virus replicates in the host cells
and then reinfects further cells, thereby spreading the
infection in the body. Both are established and scientifically
widely accepted models. Taken together, the data show how
Carragelose can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants in
tissue culture. The cooperation partners plan to publish the
data in a peer reviewed journal.
So far, one study of about 400 healthcare workers suggested
that iota-carrageenan may potentially lower the risk of
getting COVID-19 by up to 80%. Another study is looking to analyze iota-carrageenan’s
ability to prevent COVID-19, but it's still recruiting
participants. This study is expected to wrap up by February 2023.
About Carragelose®:
Carragelose® is a
sulfated polymer from red seaweed and is a unique, broadly
active anti-viral compound. It is known as a gentle yet
effective and safe prevention and treatment against
respiratory infections. Several clinical and preclinical
studies have shown that Carragelose® forms a layer on the
mucosa wrapping entering viruses, thereby inactivating them,
and preventing them from infecting cells. Increasing clinical
evidence indicates that Carragelose® can also inactivate
SARS-CoV-2.[1],[2]
Marinomed is holder of the IP rights and has licensed
Carragelose® for marketing in Europe, parts of Asia, Canada, and
Australia. For a full list of Marinomed’s portfolio of
Carragelose® containing nasal sprays and oral products, please
visit https://www.carragelose.com/en/portfolio/launched-products, for a list of scientific publications on Carragelose®, https://www.carragelose.com/en/publications.
References:
-
[1] https://www.dovepress.com/efficacy-of-a-nasal-spray-containing-iota-carrageenan-in-the-postexpos-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJGM
-
[2] https://www.marinomed.com/en/news/marinomed-biotech-ag-shares-positive-clinical-trial-results-for-iota-carrageenan-nasal-spray-in-the-prevention-of-covid-19-1
-
A Seaweed Nasal Spray May Combat COVID
Iota-carrageenan nasal spray is also being studied as a way to
prevent COVID-19. Iota-carrageenan is a sugar that comes from
algae.
Marinomed Biotech AG (VSE:MARI), an Austrian science-based
biotech company with globally marketed therapeutics derived from
innovative proprietary technology platforms, announced today
that Carragelose inactivates the new, rapidly spreading variants
and SARS-CoV-2 wildtype with similar efficacy in vitro. The
Company tested the three variants that currently mostly drive
the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the so-called British or B.1.1.7,
the South-African or B.1.351, and the Brazilian or P1
variant.[*] The data demonstrate that also with increasing
prevalence of virus variants, the marketed OTC Carragelose-based
lozenges, nasal and throat sprays will continue to effectively
contribute to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent in vitro tests, Marinomed included four lentiviruses differently pseudotyped with the spike protein of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 or one of the three variants B.1.1.7, B1.351 and P1, respectively. Carragelose was able to inactivate all four virus forms at concentrations below 5 µg/ml. This is clinically relevant for the use of Carragelose-containing products: The marketed nasal sprays have a Carragelose concentration of 1.2 mg / ml, a more than 200-fold higher dose as shown to be effective in vitro. The non-sulfated polymers HPMC and CMC were ineffective even at the highest concentrations tested.
In addition, two of the three SARS-CoV-2 variants (B1.1.7 and B1.351) were independently tested in Vero cell tissue culture in cooperation with the virological institute of the University Hospital Erlangen, Germany. Carragelose showed similar effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 wild type and the tested variants.
Marinomed’s lentivirus data show the ability of Carragelose to prevent the virus from attaching to the host cell. The infectious virus particles used in the cooperation with the virological institute of the University Hospital Erlangen mimic the effect of an actual infection, where the virus replicates in the host cells and then reinfects further cells, thereby spreading the infection in the body. Both are established and scientifically widely accepted models. Taken together, the data show how Carragelose can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants in tissue culture. The cooperation partners plan to publish the data in a peer reviewed journal.
So far, one study of about 400 healthcare workers suggested
that iota-carrageenan may potentially lower the risk of
getting COVID-19 by up to 80%. Another study is looking to analyze iota-carrageenan’s
ability to prevent COVID-19, but it's still recruiting
participants. This study is expected to wrap up by February 2023.
About Carragelose®:
Carragelose® is a
sulfated polymer from red seaweed and is a unique, broadly
active anti-viral compound. It is known as a gentle yet
effective and safe prevention and treatment against
respiratory infections. Several clinical and preclinical
studies have shown that Carragelose® forms a layer on the
mucosa wrapping entering viruses, thereby inactivating them,
and preventing them from infecting cells. Increasing clinical
evidence indicates that Carragelose® can also inactivate
SARS-CoV-2.[1],[2]
Marinomed is holder of the IP rights and has licensed Carragelose® for marketing in Europe, parts of Asia, Canada, and Australia. For a full list of Marinomed’s portfolio of Carragelose® containing nasal sprays and oral products, please visit https://www.carragelose.com/en/portfolio/launched-products, for a list of scientific publications on Carragelose®, https://www.carragelose.com/en/publications.
References:
- [1] https://www.dovepress.com/efficacy-of-a-nasal-spray-containing-iota-carrageenan-in-the-postexpos-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJGM
- [2] https://www.marinomed.com/en/news/marinomed-biotech-ag-shares-positive-clinical-trial-results-for-iota-carrageenan-nasal-spray-in-the-prevention-of-covid-19-1
- A Seaweed Nasal Spray May Combat COVID
6. Nasal spray vaccines
A number of COVID-19 nasal spray vaccines are also being researched
and developed. It’s thought that they could help build up protective
antibodies in your nose that fight SARS-CoV-2.
Several COVID-19 nasal spray vaccines are being researched in
studies — 16 intranasal and 2 inhaled to be exact. They aim to build up protective antibodies in
your nose that fight SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. A
few are authorized in Asia, but none are available in the U.S.
yet.
China has become the first country to approve an inhaled Covid vaccine. Made by CanSino (“CanSinoBIO”) (SSE: 688185, HKEX: 06185), Convidecia Air has similar ingredients to its injected vaccine, using a harmless adenovirus as a carrier for the genetic code that teaches the body how to fight Covid.
Inhaled as a fine mist, Convidecia Air can provide good protection after just one breath, the company says.
Other researchers, including teams in the UK and the US, have been investigating nasal spray vaccines.
Scientists say these may give added immunity in the lining of the nose and upper airways, where Covid typically enters the body.
The National Medical Products Administration of China granted CanSino approval for its inhaled vaccine to be used as a booster dose.
It can top up protection in those who have previously had a
jab, trials suggest.
China has become the first country to approve an inhaled Covid vaccine. Made by CanSino (“CanSinoBIO”) (SSE: 688185, HKEX: 06185), Convidecia Air has similar ingredients to its injected vaccine, using a harmless adenovirus as a carrier for the genetic code that teaches the body how to fight Covid.
Inhaled as a fine mist, Convidecia Air can provide good protection after just one breath, the company says.
Other researchers, including teams in the UK and the US, have been investigating nasal spray vaccines.
Scientists say these may give added immunity in the lining of the nose and upper airways, where Covid typically enters the body.
The National Medical Products Administration of China granted CanSino approval for its inhaled vaccine to be used as a booster dose.
In July 2023, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York announced that CastleVax has completed phase 1 trials for its nasal vaccine. The study is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024.
7. Steroid nasal sprays
Corticosteroid (steroid) nasal sprays are available widely in the U.S., and they’re often used for
treating conditions like allergies and nasal polyps.
But some researchers are exploring their potential as a treatment
option for COVID-19. It’s thought that these sprays can help control
inflammation while also stopping the coronavirus from entering your respiratory system.
In one Cleveland Clinic study, registry data from over 70,000 people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 was collected. Results suggested that corticosteroid nasal sprays may help prevent hospitalizations, ICU admissions, or death from COVID-19. But to see if they’re truly safe and effective for COVID-19, clinical trials would need to be performed.
Related: Inhaled Budesonide and COVID-19
In one Cleveland Clinic study, registry data from over 70,000 people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 was collected. Results suggested that corticosteroid nasal sprays may help prevent hospitalizations, ICU admissions, or death from COVID-19. But to see if they’re truly safe and effective for COVID-19, clinical trials would need to be performed.
Related: Inhaled Budesonide and COVID-19
8. Antibody Nasal Spray
A January 2024 study finds that administering IgA antibodies via nasal
spray can fend off multiple omicron variants within the respiratory
tract. The immune system generates different types of antibodies, each
serving distinct functions. IgA antibodies in the respiratory mucosa
play a protective role at the entry point of viruses in the
respiratory tract, preventing their replication or entry into the
lungs. The COVID-19 vaccines primarily stimulate an IgG antibody
response within the body, with limited impact on the induction of
mucosal IgA antibodies. The preventive capability of IgG antibodies
generated via vaccination with the original strain is also less
effective against the omicron variant.
An
earlier study
found that IgA antibodies produced in the respiratory mucosa, whether through
infection with the original COVID-19 virus or vaccination targeting it, can
effectively prevent omicron variant infection. The higher the levels of IgA
antibodies in saliva, the less susceptible individuals are to the omicron
variant. Conversely, even after a person receives the COVID-19 vaccine, a lack
of IgA antibodies still poses a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
The research team indicated that the IgA antibodies in the nasal spray are expected to provide at least 24 hours of protection, and they aim to develop nasal sprays with even longer-lasting protection in the future. The researchers believe this IgA antibody nasal spray can be used for both preventive measures and post-infection treatment. Direct supplementation of IgA antibodies via nasal spray is particularly beneficial for people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, who may not generate sufficient immunity through vaccination.
What medications can I take to treat or prevent COVID-19?
Nasal sprays aside, many medications are already authorized to treat and
prevent COVID-19. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you’re eligible
to access any of these treatments.
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