10 Best Nasal Sprays to Survive from COVID-19?
Do nasal sprays actually work against COVID-19? Below, we look at 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.
McCullough et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2020
“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.
Dr. Prieschl-Grassauer continued: “We are very pleased to show that Carragelose is effective regardless of the actual SARS-CoV-2 variant. With the extensive discussions we are seeing around maintaining efficacy against a mutating virus, it is reassuring to know that Carragelose is a simple, safe, and effective means of supporting the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. With the data we have already seen against SARS-CoV-2 wild type, we are confident that this will hold true also for SARS-CoV-2 variants in the clinic.”
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.
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.
Related: BETADINE Cold Defence Nasal Spray (Amazon)A well known antimicrobial, Nitric Oxide, has been found to rapidly reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load, knocking it down by 95% within 24 hours, and 99% within 72 hours, according to a study by researchers funded by England's NHS foundation trust and SaNOtize Research & Development Corporation - a Canadian biotech company currently conducting Phase II trials of a nitric oxide nasal spray.
A group of 80 adults (18-70 years) with confirmed (Alpha strain) Covid-19 infections were divided into two groups, with half receiving nitric oxide nasal spray (NONS) that were self-administered 5-6 times daily for 9 days.
The goal of the nasal spray is to kill the virus present in the upper airways - preventing it from incubating and making its way to the lungs.
The study found that mean viral load was significantly lower in the NONS group by a factor of 16.2, in what the study's authors described as an "accelerated decrease," while nearly half of those who completed a post-study questionnaire reported feeling better vs. 8% of the placebo group. What's more, there were no serious adverse reactions from the nasal spray.
According to SaNOtize, researchers from Utah State University were able to kill 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 in a petri dish within two minutes.
The company, whose board includes Prof. Ferid Murad of Stanford University - who won the Nobel Prize in 1998 for discovering the properties of nitric oxide, signed an agreement with Indian biotech Glenmark earlier this month to manufacture, market and distribute NONS throughout Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia Hong Kong, Taiwan, Nepal, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
According to SaNOtize Chief Science Officer, Dr. Chris Miller, the nasal spray is a 'post-exposure' prevention akin to hand sanitizer.
"If you are outside, around people, and could be infected, you could use the spray and reduce the number of viruses in the nose, before it is becoming a full-blown infection. We have shown that even when people have a very high load of virus, the spray can significantly reduce the viral load," Miller said in May.
McCullough et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, 20201. Xlear Nasal Spray (available on Amazon)
New research suggests an over-the-counter nasal spray is effective at significantly reducing and nearly eliminating SARS-CoV-2, the
virus that causes COVID-19 after a single dose.
An in vitro
study conducted by scientists from Northwestern University and Utah
State University concluded that components found within the Xlear nasal
spray, particularly grapefruit seed extract and xylitol, were successful
in statistically reducing the amount of SARS-CoV-2.
After a
single blast, the researchers saw the nasal spray reduced virus from 4.2
to 1.7 log10 CCID50 per 0.1 mL, a statistically significant reduction of
2.5 log10 CCID50.” News of the study was announced by Xlear and the
company said this is only the latest research that reaches a conclusion
the over-the-counter spray is effective against the virus that causes
COVID-19.
Xlear is currently sold as a nasal irrigant for
cleansing and moisturizing the nasal cavities.
Professor Mark
Cannon of the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University
said the study breaks ground in two areas. Cannon said using electron
microscopy, the researchers saw visual evidence that showed the
combination of xylitol and grapefruit seed extract counters the virus.
The grapefruit seed extract kills the virus, while the xylitol prevents
the virus from attaching to the cell walls, Cannon said in the
announcement. The study postulates that xylitol acts as a decoy target
for SARS-CoV-2, preventing virus attachment to the core protein on the
cell wall, he said.
“In addition to countering SARS-CoV-2,
Xlear is likely effective in preventing the spread of future H1N1
viruses, including the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, along with other
viral epidemics. Given the more transmissible variants we now face, this
is critical now,” Cannon said in a statement.
That in vitro
evidence will no doubt be used to support a new petition before the World Health Organization. This week, a coalition of
health professionals petitioned the World Health Organization to issue
Guidance calling on: “all people to use nasal sprays to combat the
COVID-19 pandemic.” The petition, which is supported by Xlear, is
touting data that shows these nasal sprays are able to block viral
adhesion and even kill or deactivate the virus in the nasal passages.
The petition calls specifically for WHO Guidance to focus on the use of
nasal sprays that contain Xylitol and grapefruit seed extract, which is
found in Xlear.
“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 December, 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. Researchers from the University of Birmingham in the U.K.
developed a nasal spray that can potentially provide protection against
COVID-19. The spray uses compounds that are already approved by regulatory authorities in the UK, Europe and the U.S.,
including carrageenan, along with a gellan polysaccharide.
Another
nasal spray that uses a lipopeptide, a cholesterol particle linked to a
chain of amino acids, has also shown promise in preclinical testing.
As BioSpace previously reported, the lipopeptide matches the stretch of amino acids in the spike
protein of SARS-CoV-2 exactly. The lipopeptide attaches itself onto one
of the spike’s amino acid chains and prevents viral attachment.
Saline Nasal Spray COVID-19 Studies and Updates:
Feb 2, 2021 - Indian prospective controlled study (n=251) of saline
nasal spray and gargle shows positive impact on PCR negativity and
lung involvement. Many studies with different products now point to
the very beneficial impact of that cheap, simple procedure.
Uday Chatterjee, Ajay Chakraborty, Sishir Naskar, Bibhuti Saha,
Bhaswati Bandyapadhyay, Subhasis Shee.
Efficacy of normal saline nasal spray and gargle on SARS-CoV-2 for
prevention of COVID-19 pneumonia.
July 2, 2021: Doctors at Pune's Deenanath Hospital claim traditional jalneti is
helping them steer clear of COVID-19
“The COVID-19 virus gets lodged in the nostril. It has been found
that a person tests positive on the fourth day after this happens. So,
the virus seems to establish a colony during these four days. We are
trying to wash out the virus and reduce the viral load on a daily basis
via this method."
Jalneti is a yoga technique, in which sterilised and lukewarm isotonic
salt water is poured into one nostril so that it leaves through the other.
Aug 17, 2021: Rapid initiation of nasal saline irrigation: hospitalizations in COVID-19
patients randomized to alkalinization or povidone-iodine compared to a
national dataset
Patients who initiated isotonic saline nasal irrigation after a positive
COVID-19 PCR test were 19 times less likely to be hospitalized than the
national rate.
Where to Buy: Xlear Nasal Spray with Xylitol (Amazon)
New research suggests an over-the-counter nasal spray is effective at significantly reducing and nearly eliminating SARS-CoV-2, the
virus that causes COVID-19 after a single dose.
An in vitro study conducted by scientists from Northwestern University and Utah State University concluded that components found within the Xlear nasal spray, particularly grapefruit seed extract and xylitol, were successful in statistically reducing the amount of SARS-CoV-2.
After a single blast, the researchers saw the nasal spray reduced virus from 4.2 to 1.7 log10 CCID50 per 0.1 mL, a statistically significant reduction of 2.5 log10 CCID50.” News of the study was announced by Xlear and the company said this is only the latest research that reaches a conclusion the over-the-counter spray is effective against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Xlear is currently sold as a nasal irrigant for cleansing and moisturizing the nasal cavities.
Professor Mark Cannon of the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University said the study breaks ground in two areas. Cannon said using electron microscopy, the researchers saw visual evidence that showed the combination of xylitol and grapefruit seed extract counters the virus. The grapefruit seed extract kills the virus, while the xylitol prevents the virus from attaching to the cell walls, Cannon said in the announcement. The study postulates that xylitol acts as a decoy target for SARS-CoV-2, preventing virus attachment to the core protein on the cell wall, he said.
“In addition to countering SARS-CoV-2, Xlear is likely effective in preventing the spread of future H1N1 viruses, including the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, along with other viral epidemics. Given the more transmissible variants we now face, this is critical now,” Cannon said in a statement.
That in vitro evidence will no doubt be used to support a new petition before the World Health Organization. This week, a coalition of health professionals petitioned the World Health Organization to issue Guidance calling on: “all people to use nasal sprays to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.” The petition, which is supported by Xlear, is touting data that shows these nasal sprays are able to block viral adhesion and even kill or deactivate the virus in the nasal passages. The petition calls specifically for WHO Guidance to focus on the use of nasal sprays that contain Xylitol and grapefruit seed extract, which is found in Xlear.
“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 December, 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. Researchers from the University of Birmingham in the U.K. developed a nasal spray that can potentially provide protection against COVID-19. The spray uses compounds that are already approved by regulatory authorities in the UK, Europe and the U.S., including carrageenan, along with a gellan polysaccharide.
Another nasal spray that uses a lipopeptide, a cholesterol particle linked to a chain of amino acids, has also shown promise in preclinical testing. As BioSpace previously reported, the lipopeptide matches the stretch of amino acids in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 exactly. The lipopeptide attaches itself onto one of the spike’s amino acid chains and prevents viral attachment.
An in vitro study conducted by scientists from Northwestern University and Utah State University concluded that components found within the Xlear nasal spray, particularly grapefruit seed extract and xylitol, were successful in statistically reducing the amount of SARS-CoV-2.
After a single blast, the researchers saw the nasal spray reduced virus from 4.2 to 1.7 log10 CCID50 per 0.1 mL, a statistically significant reduction of 2.5 log10 CCID50.” News of the study was announced by Xlear and the company said this is only the latest research that reaches a conclusion the over-the-counter spray is effective against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Xlear is currently sold as a nasal irrigant for cleansing and moisturizing the nasal cavities.
Professor Mark Cannon of the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University said the study breaks ground in two areas. Cannon said using electron microscopy, the researchers saw visual evidence that showed the combination of xylitol and grapefruit seed extract counters the virus. The grapefruit seed extract kills the virus, while the xylitol prevents the virus from attaching to the cell walls, Cannon said in the announcement. The study postulates that xylitol acts as a decoy target for SARS-CoV-2, preventing virus attachment to the core protein on the cell wall, he said.
“In addition to countering SARS-CoV-2, Xlear is likely effective in preventing the spread of future H1N1 viruses, including the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, along with other viral epidemics. Given the more transmissible variants we now face, this is critical now,” Cannon said in a statement.
That in vitro evidence will no doubt be used to support a new petition before the World Health Organization. This week, a coalition of health professionals petitioned the World Health Organization to issue Guidance calling on: “all people to use nasal sprays to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.” The petition, which is supported by Xlear, is touting data that shows these nasal sprays are able to block viral adhesion and even kill or deactivate the virus in the nasal passages. The petition calls specifically for WHO Guidance to focus on the use of nasal sprays that contain Xylitol and grapefruit seed extract, which is found in Xlear.
“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 December, 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. Researchers from the University of Birmingham in the U.K. developed a nasal spray that can potentially provide protection against COVID-19. The spray uses compounds that are already approved by regulatory authorities in the UK, Europe and the U.S., including carrageenan, along with a gellan polysaccharide.
Another nasal spray that uses a lipopeptide, a cholesterol particle linked to a chain of amino acids, has also shown promise in preclinical testing. As BioSpace previously reported, the lipopeptide matches the stretch of amino acids in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 exactly. The lipopeptide attaches itself onto one of the spike’s amino acid chains and prevents viral attachment.
Saline Nasal Spray COVID-19 Studies and Updates:
Feb 2, 2021 - Indian prospective controlled study (n=251) of saline
nasal spray and gargle shows positive impact on PCR negativity and
lung involvement. Many studies with different products now point to
the very beneficial impact of that cheap, simple procedure.
Uday Chatterjee, Ajay Chakraborty, Sishir Naskar, Bibhuti Saha,
Bhaswati Bandyapadhyay, Subhasis Shee.
Efficacy of normal saline nasal spray and gargle on SARS-CoV-2 for
prevention of COVID-19 pneumonia.
July 2, 2021: Doctors at Pune's Deenanath Hospital claim traditional jalneti is
helping them steer clear of COVID-19
“The COVID-19 virus gets lodged in the nostril. It has been found that a person tests positive on the fourth day after this happens. So, the virus seems to establish a colony during these four days. We are trying to wash out the virus and reduce the viral load on a daily basis via this method."
“The COVID-19 virus gets lodged in the nostril. It has been found that a person tests positive on the fourth day after this happens. So, the virus seems to establish a colony during these four days. We are trying to wash out the virus and reduce the viral load on a daily basis via this method."
2. Iota-Carrageenan Nasal Spray for COVID-19
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.
Dr. Prieschl-Grassauer continued: “We are very pleased to show that Carragelose is effective regardless of the actual SARS-CoV-2 variant. With the extensive discussions we are seeing around maintaining efficacy against a mutating virus, it is reassuring to know that Carragelose is a simple, safe, and effective means of supporting the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. With the data we have already seen against SARS-CoV-2 wild type, we are confident that this will hold true also for SARS-CoV-2 variants in the clinic.”
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.
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.
Related: BETADINE Cold Defence Nasal Spray (Amazon)
References:
[1] https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.13.21255409v1.full.pdf
[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
3. Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS)
A group of 80 adults (18-70 years) with confirmed (Alpha strain) Covid-19 infections were divided into two groups, with half receiving nitric oxide nasal spray (NONS) that were self-administered 5-6 times daily for 9 days.
The goal of the nasal spray is to kill the virus present in the upper airways - preventing it from incubating and making its way to the lungs.
The study found that mean viral load was significantly lower in the NONS group by a factor of 16.2, in what the study's authors described as an "accelerated decrease," while nearly half of those who completed a post-study questionnaire reported feeling better vs. 8% of the placebo group. What's more, there were no serious adverse reactions from the nasal spray.
"Treatment with NONS in this trial was found to be effective and safe in reducing the viral load in patients with mild, symptomatic COVID-19 infection," reads the study. "Patients in the NONS treatment arm demonstrated viral loads, as determined from PCR testing of nose and throat swab sampling, that were lower at days 2 and 4 by a factor of 16.2 than those on placebo, and symptom resolution was also found to be faster on NONS treatment than on placebo in this study."
Lower SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads in patients with NONS may be beneficial in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. It has been described that higher viral loads in patients with SARS-CoV-2 earlier than SARS-CoV may have contributed to greater difficulties in reducing the onward transmission. Furthermore, it has been observed that the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 was associated with the SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels of contacts and incubation time was shortened in a dose-dependent manner.
Accelerated SARS-CoV-2 clearance with NONS may reduce symptom duration, decrease infectivity period, reduce hospital admissions, and lower disease severity. Consequently, this study could be used as supporting evidence for emergency use of NONS for patients with mild COVID-19 infection.
Lower SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads in patients with NONS may be beneficial in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. It has been described that higher viral loads in patients with SARS-CoV-2 earlier than SARS-CoV may have contributed to greater difficulties in reducing the onward transmission. Furthermore, it has been observed that the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 was associated with the SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels of contacts and incubation time was shortened in a dose-dependent manner.
Accelerated SARS-CoV-2 clearance with NONS may reduce symptom duration, decrease infectivity period, reduce hospital admissions, and lower disease severity. Consequently, this study could be used as supporting evidence for emergency use of NONS for patients with mild COVID-19 infection.
According to SaNOtize, researchers from Utah State University were able to kill 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 in a petri dish within two minutes.
The company, whose board includes Prof. Ferid Murad of Stanford University - who won the Nobel Prize in 1998 for discovering the properties of nitric oxide, signed an agreement with Indian biotech Glenmark earlier this month to manufacture, market and distribute NONS throughout Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia Hong Kong, Taiwan, Nepal, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
According to SaNOtize Chief Science Officer, Dr. Chris Miller, the nasal spray is a 'post-exposure' prevention akin to hand sanitizer.
"If you are outside, around people, and could be infected, you could use the spray and reduce the number of viruses in the nose, before it is becoming a full-blown infection. We have shown that even when people have a very high load of virus, the spray can significantly reduce the viral load," Miller said in May.
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.”
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.”
Where to Buy Sanotize Nasal Spray
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 from IsraelPharm.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.
Phase III clinical trial for NONS is expected to be completed,
followed by commercial launch under the brand name FabiSpray® in
India, by fourth quarter of the calendar year 2021.
4. Povidone Iodine and COVID-19
Povidone iodine (PVP-I) is an antiseptic that has been used for over 150
years. It's already proven that different concentration of PVP-I can
deactivate COVID-19 virus.
We have compiled a list of povidone iodine COVID-19 studies
below:
Feb 2021 - Guenezan et al., JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck
Surg., doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2020.5490 (Peer Reviewed)
Povidone Iodine Mouthwash, Gargle, and Nasal Spray to Reduce
Nasopharyngeal Viral Load in Patients With COVID-19: A
Randomized Clinical Trial
RCT of PCR+ patients with Ct<=20 with 12 treatment and
12 control patients, concluding that nasopharyngeal decolonization
may reduce the carriage of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in adults with
mild to moderate COVID-19. All patients but 1 had negative viral
titer by day 3 (group not specified). There was no significant
difference in viral RNA quantification over time. The mean
relative difference in viral titers between baseline and day 1 was
75% [43%-95%] in the intervention group and 32% [10%-65%] in the
control group. Thyroid dysfunction occurred in 42% of treated
patients, with spontaneous resolution after the end of treatment.
Patients in the treatment group were younger.
Dec 2020
- Choudhury et al., Bioresearch Communications, Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2021 (Peer Reviewed)
Effect of 1% Povidone Iodine Mouthwash/Gargle, Nasal and Eye
Drop in COVID-19 patient
RCT 606 patients in Bangladesh for povidone iodine
mouthwash/gargle, nasal drops and eye drops showing significantly
lower death, hospitalization, and PCR+ at day 7.
Sep 2020 - Frank et al., JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2020.3053 (Peer Reviewed) (In Vitro)
In Vitro Efficacy of a Povidone-Iodine Nasal Antiseptic for Rapid
Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2
In Vitro study showing povidone-iodine nasal antiseptics at
concentrations (0.5%, 1.25%, and 2.5%) completely inactivated
SARS-CoV-2 within 15 seconds of contact. No cytotoxic effects on
cells were observed after contact with each of the nasal antiseptics
tested.
We have compiled a list of povidone iodine COVID-19 studies below:
Feb 2021 - Guenezan et al., JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg., doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2020.5490 (Peer Reviewed)
Povidone Iodine Mouthwash, Gargle, and Nasal Spray to Reduce Nasopharyngeal Viral Load in Patients With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial
RCT of PCR+ patients with Ct<=20 with 12 treatment and 12 control patients, concluding that nasopharyngeal decolonization may reduce the carriage of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19. All patients but 1 had negative viral titer by day 3 (group not specified). There was no significant difference in viral RNA quantification over time. The mean relative difference in viral titers between baseline and day 1 was 75% [43%-95%] in the intervention group and 32% [10%-65%] in the control group. Thyroid dysfunction occurred in 42% of treated patients, with spontaneous resolution after the end of treatment. Patients in the treatment group were younger.
Dec 2020 - Choudhury et al., Bioresearch Communications, Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2021 (Peer Reviewed)
Effect of 1% Povidone Iodine Mouthwash/Gargle, Nasal and Eye Drop in COVID-19 patient
RCT 606 patients in Bangladesh for povidone iodine mouthwash/gargle, nasal drops and eye drops showing significantly lower death, hospitalization, and PCR+ at day 7.
In Vitro Efficacy of a Povidone-Iodine Nasal Antiseptic for Rapid Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2
In Vitro study showing povidone-iodine nasal antiseptics at concentrations (0.5%, 1.25%, and 2.5%) completely inactivated SARS-CoV-2 within 15 seconds of contact. No cytotoxic effects on cells were observed after contact with each of the nasal antiseptics tested.
5. AeroNabs Nasal Spray for COVID
Led by graduate student Michael Schoof at Dr. Peter Walter’s lab in the
UC San Francisco Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, the team
engineered antibodies from camelids to immobilize SARS-CoV-2, the virus
responsible for COVID-19. Known as “AeroNabs,” these nanobodies provide
a promising, immediate therapeutic treatment for COVID-19 illness before
vaccines become widely accessible.
“Vaccination is
critical, but it may take years before the whole world can get
vaccinated,” Michael said. “So throughout that process and even after
you still want a therapeutic treatment or post exposure prophylactic to
be available.”
AeroNabs have several advantages over
traditional therapeutic antibodies. AeroNabs are made of smaller, more
stable camelid-derived antibodies (nanobodies) rather than typical
antibodies. Therefore, these molecules are inexpensive to mass produce
in bacteria or yeast, and they are stable to transport in the form of
powders. Furthermore, AeroNabs can be easily aerosolized and
self-administered with a nasal spray or inhaler.
The
research team has recently completed testing AeroNabs on hamsters and
are working their way to get AeroNabs into the clinics as the world is
concentrated on developing vaccines and traditional antibodies. The team
is also continuing to develop more versions of AeroNabs to target newly
emerged variants of viral SARS-CoV-2.
Graphic courtesy of Cai Y; et al. Science, 2020, 369,
1586-1692.
“As the dynamics of the virus change over the
coming year, especially that there’s a new potential pandemic continues
to emerge, you can image there’s a version of virus really resistant to
vaccine effort and there’s a new version of vaccine that only provides
50 percent effectiveness, I think options like this [nanobody treatment]
become far more important [in this situation],” said Dr. Aashish
Manglik, the co-principal investigator of the project.
The
virus SARS-CoV-2 attacks a target lung cell by latching its spike
protein to fit perfectly onto the human protein receptors, ACE2, which
cover the surface of the cell. It is only after this interaction that
the virus is able to enter the human cell and forcibly direct it to
spread the viral RNA, causing a cascade of cell infection. However, with
the AeroNabs developed by the UCSF team, this chance is greatly reduced
because the virus binding with ACE2 is blocked by its binding to these
nanobodies — an immune agent designed with a greater affinity to
SARS-CoV-2.
“Antibody” is a general name for proteins
that defend against foreign objects such as pathogenic bacteria and
viruses in a host animal. Unlike the traditional antibodies found in
mammals, these single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) originated from
camelids, such as llama and alpacas, and are missing the light chain of
a typical antibody, resulting in a simpler and more stable structure to
engineer. Recently developed nanobody technology took advantage of these
structural properties to expand nanobody applications in medicine and
therapeutics.
Graphic courtesy of R&D Systems.
The original discovery of nanobody by Belgian biology professor Raymond Hamers in the
late 1980s was unexpected. After finding a sample of carmel serum in the
lab, Hammers assigned his undergraduate students to work on isolating
antibodies from the sample. After purification, they discovered
undocumented mini-antibodies. Further characterization revealed that
these mini-antibodies belonged to a new class which they named
“nanobodies”. Since Nature published this finding in 1993, nanobody technology has made
notable progress in its application. For example, the FDA approved its use in treating a rare blood clotting disorder in
2019. This new biotechnology attracted many labs to employ it as a tool to
develop therapeutics. Among them is Manglik’s lab at UCSF.
Manglik spent the past three years
building the world’s largest library of nanobody DNA sequences with Dr.
Andrew Kruse at Harvard Medical School. The library houses over two
billion nanobody-expressing yeast cells. This powerful resource not only
saves the time-consuming labor of harvesting nanobodies from the blood
of llamas or camels, it’s also shared with the world to give hundreds of
labs access to studying nanobodies.
“My lab normally studies
something completely different, we are very interested in the receptors
that enable our bodies to see, smell and taste,” Manglik said. “In order
to study these receptors, we developed in the past these little
antibodies to push and pull and manipulate these receptors to
function.”
Walter and Manglik already teamed up before
their project on tackling coronavirus with nanobodies. As a fourth year
graduate student in the Walter lab, Michael specialized in studying the
regulation of a protein named “eIF2B,” which is essential for protein
translation and appears to be a critical regulatory hub during traumatic
brain injury and other neurological disorders. Walter saw the potential
application of nanobodies in modulating the behavior of eIF2B, and the
partnership was soon made.
When COVID-19 surged through
America in early 2020 and most non-COVID related research was closed
down, the Waler lab promptly switched its gears to research SARS-CoV-2
with Manglik for a solution: Can nanobodies effectively halt the spread
of the virus?
“Michael really took the lead on using
some of the expertise he gained from my lab to find nanobodies against
the spike protein,” Manglik said regarding their collaborative project
on COVID-19.
The team screened through Manglik’s yeast
surface-display library to narrow down the population that would likely
bind to SARS-CoV-2 spikes. Within three weeks, they identified 800
potential candidates. Michael mixed these individual yeast cultures with
fluorescently labeled SARS-CoV-2 Spike and excess human ACE2 protein.
The preliminary result showed many nanobody expressedexpressing yeast,
but the 21 top candidates showed competition with the ACE2 protein.
These nanobodies were later classified into two types. Class 1
nanobodies, namely Nb6 and Nb11, competed directly with ACE2 for the
same binding site on the spike, and Class 2 nanobodies such as Nb3
targeted a different domain. As both classes revealed decreased binding
activity in the presence of increased ACE2, this classification would
allow the team to identify the most potent candidate and engineer an
ultrapotent version of itself.
The task was split among
researchers, including biochemists and virologists across the campus and
globe. The team collaborated with the QCRG Structural Biology Consortium
to image the interaction between Nb6 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike using
atomic-resolution cryo-electron microscopy. This data provided critical
information about how Nb6 blocks ACE2 binding and allowed the team to
further optimize the molecule into Nb6-tri by linking three Nb6
nanobodies with flexible linkers of amino acids — the basic structural
unit of a protein.
“We have made the nanobodies look
more like a human antibody through a humanization process,” Michael
said. “It’s purely interacting with the viral protein and unlikely to
have side effects.”
To examine its efficacy, Manglik
connected with former UCSF postdoc Marco Vignuzzi to test Nb6-tri
against live virus at his Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory located
at Institut Pasteur in Paris. The result proved that this three-armed
nanobody binds exceptionally well to SARS-CoV-2, making it a promising
antiviral.
“Our thought is not to unnecessarily compete
with the vaccine already deployed right now,” Manglik said. “It’s really
to think about where an approach like this [nanobody] can have some
utility.”
Months of work condensed into a paper
published in Science last December. More than 50 researchers co-authored to propose
the effective treatment of using this synthetic nanobody to inactivate
SARS-CoV-2.
Led by graduate student Michael Schoof at Dr. Peter Walter’s lab in the
UC San Francisco Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, the team
engineered antibodies from camelids to immobilize SARS-CoV-2, the virus
responsible for COVID-19. Known as “AeroNabs,” these nanobodies provide
a promising, immediate therapeutic treatment for COVID-19 illness before
vaccines become widely accessible.
“Vaccination is critical, but it may take years before the whole world can get vaccinated,” Michael said. “So throughout that process and even after you still want a therapeutic treatment or post exposure prophylactic to be available.”
AeroNabs have several advantages over traditional therapeutic antibodies. AeroNabs are made of smaller, more stable camelid-derived antibodies (nanobodies) rather than typical antibodies. Therefore, these molecules are inexpensive to mass produce in bacteria or yeast, and they are stable to transport in the form of powders. Furthermore, AeroNabs can be easily aerosolized and self-administered with a nasal spray or inhaler.
The research team has recently completed testing AeroNabs on hamsters and are working their way to get AeroNabs into the clinics as the world is concentrated on developing vaccines and traditional antibodies. The team is also continuing to develop more versions of AeroNabs to target newly emerged variants of viral SARS-CoV-2.
Graphic courtesy of Cai Y; et al. Science, 2020, 369, 1586-1692.
“As the dynamics of the virus change over the coming year, especially that there’s a new potential pandemic continues to emerge, you can image there’s a version of virus really resistant to vaccine effort and there’s a new version of vaccine that only provides 50 percent effectiveness, I think options like this [nanobody treatment] become far more important [in this situation],” said Dr. Aashish Manglik, the co-principal investigator of the project.
The virus SARS-CoV-2 attacks a target lung cell by latching its spike protein to fit perfectly onto the human protein receptors, ACE2, which cover the surface of the cell. It is only after this interaction that the virus is able to enter the human cell and forcibly direct it to spread the viral RNA, causing a cascade of cell infection. However, with the AeroNabs developed by the UCSF team, this chance is greatly reduced because the virus binding with ACE2 is blocked by its binding to these nanobodies — an immune agent designed with a greater affinity to SARS-CoV-2.
“Antibody” is a general name for proteins that defend against foreign objects such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses in a host animal. Unlike the traditional antibodies found in mammals, these single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) originated from camelids, such as llama and alpacas, and are missing the light chain of a typical antibody, resulting in a simpler and more stable structure to engineer. Recently developed nanobody technology took advantage of these structural properties to expand nanobody applications in medicine and therapeutics.
Graphic courtesy of R&D Systems.
The original discovery of nanobody by Belgian biology professor Raymond Hamers in the late 1980s was unexpected. After finding a sample of carmel serum in the lab, Hammers assigned his undergraduate students to work on isolating antibodies from the sample. After purification, they discovered undocumented mini-antibodies. Further characterization revealed that these mini-antibodies belonged to a new class which they named “nanobodies”. Since Nature published this finding in 1993, nanobody technology has made notable progress in its application. For example, the FDA approved its use in treating a rare blood clotting disorder in 2019. This new biotechnology attracted many labs to employ it as a tool to develop therapeutics. Among them is Manglik’s lab at UCSF.
Manglik spent the past three years building the world’s largest library of nanobody DNA sequences with Dr. Andrew Kruse at Harvard Medical School. The library houses over two billion nanobody-expressing yeast cells. This powerful resource not only saves the time-consuming labor of harvesting nanobodies from the blood of llamas or camels, it’s also shared with the world to give hundreds of labs access to studying nanobodies.
“My lab normally studies something completely different, we are very interested in the receptors that enable our bodies to see, smell and taste,” Manglik said. “In order to study these receptors, we developed in the past these little antibodies to push and pull and manipulate these receptors to function.”
Walter and Manglik already teamed up before their project on tackling coronavirus with nanobodies. As a fourth year graduate student in the Walter lab, Michael specialized in studying the regulation of a protein named “eIF2B,” which is essential for protein translation and appears to be a critical regulatory hub during traumatic brain injury and other neurological disorders. Walter saw the potential application of nanobodies in modulating the behavior of eIF2B, and the partnership was soon made.
When COVID-19 surged through America in early 2020 and most non-COVID related research was closed down, the Waler lab promptly switched its gears to research SARS-CoV-2 with Manglik for a solution: Can nanobodies effectively halt the spread of the virus?
“Michael really took the lead on using some of the expertise he gained from my lab to find nanobodies against the spike protein,” Manglik said regarding their collaborative project on COVID-19.
The team screened through Manglik’s yeast surface-display library to narrow down the population that would likely bind to SARS-CoV-2 spikes. Within three weeks, they identified 800 potential candidates. Michael mixed these individual yeast cultures with fluorescently labeled SARS-CoV-2 Spike and excess human ACE2 protein. The preliminary result showed many nanobody expressedexpressing yeast, but the 21 top candidates showed competition with the ACE2 protein. These nanobodies were later classified into two types. Class 1 nanobodies, namely Nb6 and Nb11, competed directly with ACE2 for the same binding site on the spike, and Class 2 nanobodies such as Nb3 targeted a different domain. As both classes revealed decreased binding activity in the presence of increased ACE2, this classification would allow the team to identify the most potent candidate and engineer an ultrapotent version of itself.
The task was split among researchers, including biochemists and virologists across the campus and globe. The team collaborated with the QCRG Structural Biology Consortium to image the interaction between Nb6 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike using atomic-resolution cryo-electron microscopy. This data provided critical information about how Nb6 blocks ACE2 binding and allowed the team to further optimize the molecule into Nb6-tri by linking three Nb6 nanobodies with flexible linkers of amino acids — the basic structural unit of a protein.
“We have made the nanobodies look more like a human antibody through a humanization process,” Michael said. “It’s purely interacting with the viral protein and unlikely to have side effects.”
To examine its efficacy, Manglik connected with former UCSF postdoc Marco Vignuzzi to test Nb6-tri against live virus at his Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory located at Institut Pasteur in Paris. The result proved that this three-armed nanobody binds exceptionally well to SARS-CoV-2, making it a promising antiviral.
“Our thought is not to unnecessarily compete with the vaccine already deployed right now,” Manglik said. “It’s really to think about where an approach like this [nanobody] can have some utility.”
Months of work condensed into a paper published in Science last December. More than 50 researchers co-authored to propose the effective treatment of using this synthetic nanobody to inactivate SARS-CoV-2.
“Vaccination is critical, but it may take years before the whole world can get vaccinated,” Michael said. “So throughout that process and even after you still want a therapeutic treatment or post exposure prophylactic to be available.”
AeroNabs have several advantages over traditional therapeutic antibodies. AeroNabs are made of smaller, more stable camelid-derived antibodies (nanobodies) rather than typical antibodies. Therefore, these molecules are inexpensive to mass produce in bacteria or yeast, and they are stable to transport in the form of powders. Furthermore, AeroNabs can be easily aerosolized and self-administered with a nasal spray or inhaler.
The research team has recently completed testing AeroNabs on hamsters and are working their way to get AeroNabs into the clinics as the world is concentrated on developing vaccines and traditional antibodies. The team is also continuing to develop more versions of AeroNabs to target newly emerged variants of viral SARS-CoV-2.
Graphic courtesy of Cai Y; et al. Science, 2020, 369, 1586-1692.
“As the dynamics of the virus change over the coming year, especially that there’s a new potential pandemic continues to emerge, you can image there’s a version of virus really resistant to vaccine effort and there’s a new version of vaccine that only provides 50 percent effectiveness, I think options like this [nanobody treatment] become far more important [in this situation],” said Dr. Aashish Manglik, the co-principal investigator of the project.
The virus SARS-CoV-2 attacks a target lung cell by latching its spike protein to fit perfectly onto the human protein receptors, ACE2, which cover the surface of the cell. It is only after this interaction that the virus is able to enter the human cell and forcibly direct it to spread the viral RNA, causing a cascade of cell infection. However, with the AeroNabs developed by the UCSF team, this chance is greatly reduced because the virus binding with ACE2 is blocked by its binding to these nanobodies — an immune agent designed with a greater affinity to SARS-CoV-2.
“Antibody” is a general name for proteins that defend against foreign objects such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses in a host animal. Unlike the traditional antibodies found in mammals, these single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) originated from camelids, such as llama and alpacas, and are missing the light chain of a typical antibody, resulting in a simpler and more stable structure to engineer. Recently developed nanobody technology took advantage of these structural properties to expand nanobody applications in medicine and therapeutics.
Graphic courtesy of R&D Systems.
The original discovery of nanobody by Belgian biology professor Raymond Hamers in the late 1980s was unexpected. After finding a sample of carmel serum in the lab, Hammers assigned his undergraduate students to work on isolating antibodies from the sample. After purification, they discovered undocumented mini-antibodies. Further characterization revealed that these mini-antibodies belonged to a new class which they named “nanobodies”. Since Nature published this finding in 1993, nanobody technology has made notable progress in its application. For example, the FDA approved its use in treating a rare blood clotting disorder in 2019. This new biotechnology attracted many labs to employ it as a tool to develop therapeutics. Among them is Manglik’s lab at UCSF.
Manglik spent the past three years building the world’s largest library of nanobody DNA sequences with Dr. Andrew Kruse at Harvard Medical School. The library houses over two billion nanobody-expressing yeast cells. This powerful resource not only saves the time-consuming labor of harvesting nanobodies from the blood of llamas or camels, it’s also shared with the world to give hundreds of labs access to studying nanobodies.
“My lab normally studies something completely different, we are very interested in the receptors that enable our bodies to see, smell and taste,” Manglik said. “In order to study these receptors, we developed in the past these little antibodies to push and pull and manipulate these receptors to function.”
Walter and Manglik already teamed up before their project on tackling coronavirus with nanobodies. As a fourth year graduate student in the Walter lab, Michael specialized in studying the regulation of a protein named “eIF2B,” which is essential for protein translation and appears to be a critical regulatory hub during traumatic brain injury and other neurological disorders. Walter saw the potential application of nanobodies in modulating the behavior of eIF2B, and the partnership was soon made.
When COVID-19 surged through America in early 2020 and most non-COVID related research was closed down, the Waler lab promptly switched its gears to research SARS-CoV-2 with Manglik for a solution: Can nanobodies effectively halt the spread of the virus?
“Michael really took the lead on using some of the expertise he gained from my lab to find nanobodies against the spike protein,” Manglik said regarding their collaborative project on COVID-19.
The team screened through Manglik’s yeast surface-display library to narrow down the population that would likely bind to SARS-CoV-2 spikes. Within three weeks, they identified 800 potential candidates. Michael mixed these individual yeast cultures with fluorescently labeled SARS-CoV-2 Spike and excess human ACE2 protein. The preliminary result showed many nanobody expressedexpressing yeast, but the 21 top candidates showed competition with the ACE2 protein. These nanobodies were later classified into two types. Class 1 nanobodies, namely Nb6 and Nb11, competed directly with ACE2 for the same binding site on the spike, and Class 2 nanobodies such as Nb3 targeted a different domain. As both classes revealed decreased binding activity in the presence of increased ACE2, this classification would allow the team to identify the most potent candidate and engineer an ultrapotent version of itself.
The task was split among researchers, including biochemists and virologists across the campus and globe. The team collaborated with the QCRG Structural Biology Consortium to image the interaction between Nb6 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike using atomic-resolution cryo-electron microscopy. This data provided critical information about how Nb6 blocks ACE2 binding and allowed the team to further optimize the molecule into Nb6-tri by linking three Nb6 nanobodies with flexible linkers of amino acids — the basic structural unit of a protein.
“We have made the nanobodies look more like a human antibody through a humanization process,” Michael said. “It’s purely interacting with the viral protein and unlikely to have side effects.”
To examine its efficacy, Manglik connected with former UCSF postdoc Marco Vignuzzi to test Nb6-tri against live virus at his Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory located at Institut Pasteur in Paris. The result proved that this three-armed nanobody binds exceptionally well to SARS-CoV-2, making it a promising antiviral.
“Our thought is not to unnecessarily compete with the vaccine already deployed right now,” Manglik said. “It’s really to think about where an approach like this [nanobody] can have some utility.”
Months of work condensed into a paper published in Science last December. More than 50 researchers co-authored to propose the effective treatment of using this synthetic nanobody to inactivate SARS-CoV-2.
6. Taffix Nasal Spray
An Israeli biopharmaceutical company developing powder-based
intranasal products announced this week that a spray made by the
firm proved highly effective in lab tests against two prominent
coronavirus variants, according to the findings of a new study. The
spray was previously found to effectively reduce the spread of SARS- CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in a real-world trial last
year.
Nasus Pharma said that in a new collaborative study
with the Central Virology Laboratory at the Israeli Ministry of
Health and the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer Hospital, the
company’s proprietary Taffix spray “blocked 100 percent” of the two
new variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus, the British variant, also known as
B.1.1.7, and the South African variant.
The British
variant was found in a new study at Tel Aviv University to be 45 percent more contagious than
the original virus.
In the in vitro study by Nasus, the gel layer produced by Taffix
in a tissue culture infected with doses of the virus variants was
effective at blocking them, as demonstrated by PCR testing of the
cells.
The company did not give further details about the
study nor did it indicate when it was conducted, whether the findings
were published, or whether further studies were in the offing.
Nasus
Pharma CEO Dr. Dalia Megiddo said in a statement that the results “conform with prior in vitro studies performed
with Taffix where 99.99 percent of SARS- CoV-2 viruses were blocked by
Taffix, as well as other viruses known to cause upper respiratory
infections.”
Nasus said that it is now well established
that the nasal cavity is the main gateway to the body of airborne
droplet viral infection including SARS-COV-2, and the Taffix powder
creates a thin acidified gel above the nasal mucosa that shields the
nasal cells from inhaled viruses through both mechanical and chemical
protection. The gel lasts five hours and could be used as an
additional layer of protection against infection, Nasus Pharma
indicated.
The results of the latest study, said Dr.
Megiddo, are “consistent with real-life clinical experience with
Taffix where the risk of contracting COVID was reduced by 78 percent
following a ‘super spreader’ event.”
Dr. Meggido is
referring to a separate study last year during Rosh Hashanah where the
spray appears to have contributed to a reduced COVID-19 infection rate
among ultra-Orthodox members of a synagogue in Bnei Brak.
At
the time, in September 2020, Israel was a world leader in the number
of new COVID-19 cases per one million citizens and the rate of
infection in ultra-Orthodox communities was double. The mortality rate
was also higher. Before Rosh Hashanah, Bnei Brak’s positivity rates
for COVID-19 were 17.6 percent, climbing to 28.1 percent two weeks
later, the study showed.
Ahead of the approaching holiday, characterized by mass gatherings at
synagogues for prayers and family events, there were concerns about
such events becoming sources of mass outbreaks. Nasus approached a
synagogue community of 243 members in Bnei Brak and made available
bottles of the spray to use during the holiday and thereafter.
A total of 83 worshipers used the spray before Rosh Hashanah prayers
and for the following two weeks according to instructions, and just
two contracted the virus in a real-world test of the product, the
company said. The two who contracted the virus did not use the spray
as instructed and the remaining members did not use the spray at all,
according to surveys conducted for the study.
That study was conducted in partnership with scientists from the
University of Haifa, the University of Virginia, and the Hadassah
Medical Center in Jerusalem. Preprints were available in November 2020
and in January 2021, and the full study was published after peer-review in recent weeks.
“Given the excellent safety profile of Taffix and its statistically
significant efficacy in preventing infection following what is defined
as high-risk infection event — it seems that this additional layer of
protection can significantly reduce the risks of infection and may
enable people to resume some part of their daily routine more safely,”
the authors of the study wrote. They called for controlled clinical
trials to more precisely define target populations and means of
encouraging adherence.
Professor Yaakov Naparstek, the scientific director of the Meuhedet
HMO Research Institute and a physician at Hadassah Medical Center who
co-authored the study said that “the fact that Taffix was able to
significantly reduce infection rate in users of the product is very
encouraging.”
Dr. Megiddo said that the “consistent results across multiple virus
strains prove the robust non-specific activity against the
transmission of multiple respiratory viruses.”
“The study’s
results reconfirm the versatility of our technology against various
respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants and
Taffix’s potential as an important additional layer of protection
against infection,” she added.
Udi Gilboa, Chairman of the Board of Nasus Pharma added, that there
was “an urgent need for solutions that enable resuming of economic and
social activities safely. The changing dynamics of the virus and the
continued appearance of additional mutations present a challenge to
public health.”
“Our new data demonstrates that
Taffix can be helpful in preventing the spread of these new variants
in addition to all other recommended safety measures,” he said.
Taffix
is available in Israel and is also currently sold in over 20 countries
across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Middle East, the company
said.
Nasus Pharma is based in Tel Aviv and is also
developing a number of intranasal products aimed at assisting patients
in several acute emergency situations such as opioid overdose and
anaphylactic shock.
It is not the only company in the
market touting a spray-based solution to fighting COVID-19 infection.
SaNOtize (see above), the company behind a proposed antiviral nasal
spray for use against COVID-19 has started a production line in Israel
where the Health Ministry gave its interim approval for the sale of
the product to people over 12 years of age.
The company,
co-founded by Israeli-Canadian scientist Dr. Gilly Regev and based in
Vancouver, developed a patented platform technology that allows for
the topical delivery of nitric oxide (a naturally occurring
nanomolecule with the formula NO, hence the name) to treat a variety
of bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases.
The company’s
Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS), under the brand name Enovid, is
designed to kill SARs-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the
upper airways, preventing it from incubating and spreading to the
lungs. The spray is undergoing clinical trial in the UK and is currently in Phase II prevention and efficacy trial in Canada.
Related News: Could a nasal spray stop you catching Covid? (DailyMail UK)
An Israeli biopharmaceutical company developing powder-based
intranasal products announced this week that a spray made by the
firm proved highly effective in lab tests against two prominent
coronavirus variants, according to the findings of a new study. The
spray was previously found to effectively reduce the spread of SARS- CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in a real-world trial last
year.
Nasus Pharma said that in a new collaborative study with the Central Virology Laboratory at the Israeli Ministry of Health and the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer Hospital, the company’s proprietary Taffix spray “blocked 100 percent” of the two new variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus, the British variant, also known as B.1.1.7, and the South African variant.
The British variant was found in a new study at Tel Aviv University to be 45 percent more contagious than the original virus.
Nasus Pharma said that in a new collaborative study with the Central Virology Laboratory at the Israeli Ministry of Health and the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer Hospital, the company’s proprietary Taffix spray “blocked 100 percent” of the two new variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus, the British variant, also known as B.1.1.7, and the South African variant.
The British variant was found in a new study at Tel Aviv University to be 45 percent more contagious than the original virus.
In the in vitro study by Nasus, the gel layer produced by Taffix in a tissue culture infected with doses of the virus variants was effective at blocking them, as demonstrated by PCR testing of the cells.
The company did not give further details about the study nor did it indicate when it was conducted, whether the findings were published, or whether further studies were in the offing.
Nasus Pharma CEO Dr. Dalia Megiddo said in a statement that the results “conform with prior in vitro studies performed with Taffix where 99.99 percent of SARS- CoV-2 viruses were blocked by Taffix, as well as other viruses known to cause upper respiratory infections.”
Nasus said that it is now well established that the nasal cavity is the main gateway to the body of airborne droplet viral infection including SARS-COV-2, and the Taffix powder creates a thin acidified gel above the nasal mucosa that shields the nasal cells from inhaled viruses through both mechanical and chemical protection. The gel lasts five hours and could be used as an additional layer of protection against infection, Nasus Pharma indicated.
The results of the latest study, said Dr. Megiddo, are “consistent with real-life clinical experience with Taffix where the risk of contracting COVID was reduced by 78 percent following a ‘super spreader’ event.”
Dr. Meggido is referring to a separate study last year during Rosh Hashanah where the spray appears to have contributed to a reduced COVID-19 infection rate among ultra-Orthodox members of a synagogue in Bnei Brak.
At the time, in September 2020, Israel was a world leader in the number of new COVID-19 cases per one million citizens and the rate of infection in ultra-Orthodox communities was double. The mortality rate was also higher. Before Rosh Hashanah, Bnei Brak’s positivity rates for COVID-19 were 17.6 percent, climbing to 28.1 percent two weeks later, the study showed.
Ahead of the approaching holiday, characterized by mass gatherings at synagogues for prayers and family events, there were concerns about such events becoming sources of mass outbreaks. Nasus approached a synagogue community of 243 members in Bnei Brak and made available bottles of the spray to use during the holiday and thereafter.
A total of 83 worshipers used the spray before Rosh Hashanah prayers and for the following two weeks according to instructions, and just two contracted the virus in a real-world test of the product, the company said. The two who contracted the virus did not use the spray as instructed and the remaining members did not use the spray at all, according to surveys conducted for the study.
That study was conducted in partnership with scientists from the University of Haifa, the University of Virginia, and the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. Preprints were available in November 2020 and in January 2021, and the full study was published after peer-review in recent weeks.
“Given the excellent safety profile of Taffix and its statistically significant efficacy in preventing infection following what is defined as high-risk infection event — it seems that this additional layer of protection can significantly reduce the risks of infection and may enable people to resume some part of their daily routine more safely,” the authors of the study wrote. They called for controlled clinical trials to more precisely define target populations and means of encouraging adherence.
Professor Yaakov Naparstek, the scientific director of the Meuhedet HMO Research Institute and a physician at Hadassah Medical Center who co-authored the study said that “the fact that Taffix was able to significantly reduce infection rate in users of the product is very encouraging.”
Dr. Megiddo said that the “consistent results across multiple virus
strains prove the robust non-specific activity against the
transmission of multiple respiratory viruses.”
“The study’s results reconfirm the versatility of our technology against various respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants and Taffix’s potential as an important additional layer of protection against infection,” she added.
“The study’s results reconfirm the versatility of our technology against various respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants and Taffix’s potential as an important additional layer of protection against infection,” she added.
Udi Gilboa, Chairman of the Board of Nasus Pharma added, that there
was “an urgent need for solutions that enable resuming of economic and
social activities safely. The changing dynamics of the virus and the
continued appearance of additional mutations present a challenge to
public health.”
“Our new data demonstrates that Taffix can be helpful in preventing the spread of these new variants in addition to all other recommended safety measures,” he said.
Taffix is available in Israel and is also currently sold in over 20 countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Middle East, the company said.
Nasus Pharma is based in Tel Aviv and is also developing a number of intranasal products aimed at assisting patients in several acute emergency situations such as opioid overdose and anaphylactic shock.
It is not the only company in the market touting a spray-based solution to fighting COVID-19 infection. SaNOtize (see above), the company behind a proposed antiviral nasal spray for use against COVID-19 has started a production line in Israel where the Health Ministry gave its interim approval for the sale of the product to people over 12 years of age.
The company, co-founded by Israeli-Canadian scientist Dr. Gilly Regev and based in Vancouver, developed a patented platform technology that allows for the topical delivery of nitric oxide (a naturally occurring nanomolecule with the formula NO, hence the name) to treat a variety of bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases.
The company’s Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS), under the brand name Enovid, is designed to kill SARs-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the upper airways, preventing it from incubating and spreading to the lungs. The spray is undergoing clinical trial in the UK and is currently in Phase II prevention and efficacy trial in Canada.
“Our new data demonstrates that Taffix can be helpful in preventing the spread of these new variants in addition to all other recommended safety measures,” he said.
Taffix is available in Israel and is also currently sold in over 20 countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Middle East, the company said.
Nasus Pharma is based in Tel Aviv and is also developing a number of intranasal products aimed at assisting patients in several acute emergency situations such as opioid overdose and anaphylactic shock.
It is not the only company in the market touting a spray-based solution to fighting COVID-19 infection. SaNOtize (see above), the company behind a proposed antiviral nasal spray for use against COVID-19 has started a production line in Israel where the Health Ministry gave its interim approval for the sale of the product to people over 12 years of age.
The company, co-founded by Israeli-Canadian scientist Dr. Gilly Regev and based in Vancouver, developed a patented platform technology that allows for the topical delivery of nitric oxide (a naturally occurring nanomolecule with the formula NO, hence the name) to treat a variety of bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases.
The company’s Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS), under the brand name Enovid, is designed to kill SARs-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the upper airways, preventing it from incubating and spreading to the lungs. The spray is undergoing clinical trial in the UK and is currently in Phase II prevention and efficacy trial in Canada.
Related News: Could a nasal spray stop you catching Covid? (DailyMail UK)
7. Halberd COVID-19 Preventative Nasal Spray
Oct 2, 2020 - JACKSON CENTER, PA / ACCESSWIRE / Halberd Corporation (OTC
PINK:HALB) announced they have obtained world-wide license to a provisional
patent application covering a nasal spray to be used as a prevention
measure against coronavirus. The provisional patent, "Nasal Spray To
Prevent The Transmission Of Covid-19 Between Humans," was filed recently
with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by its inventor, Mitchell S.
Felder, MD.
The nasal spray is intended to be used as a
prophylactic against contracting Covid-19 specifically, and
coronaviruses in general. The mechanism of action utilizes an antibody
with a solution which blocks ACE2 receptors found in nasal epithelial
cells. The nasal spray may possibly decrease the severity of clinical
manifestations in infected patients by decreasing the initial Covid-19
viral load.
The technology covered in this provisional patent
application is fully compatible with Halberd's current research and
extends it to address all three phases of the coronavirus:
- A Preventative and Early Treatment;
- A Diagnostic, and
- A Therapeutic Treatment.
Dr. Mitchell S. Felder, inventor of this treatment process, stated,
"Multiple medical articles (JAMA) have shown that intranasal ACE2 receptors have been a key factor in
the Covid-19 infectious process. Medical articles (MedPage) have shown the importance of the initial viral load in ultimately
determining clinical manifestations."
Mr. William A. Hartman,
Chairman, President & CEO of Halberd Corporation, stated, "We
continue to closely monitor technology advancements, across all of our
sites, in the fight against Covid-19 and develop products to address the
most pressing needs. We continue to make progress towards this goal."
Oct 2, 2020 - JACKSON CENTER, PA / ACCESSWIRE / Halberd Corporation (OTC
PINK:HALB) announced they have obtained world-wide license to a provisional
patent application covering a nasal spray to be used as a prevention
measure against coronavirus. The provisional patent, "Nasal Spray To
Prevent The Transmission Of Covid-19 Between Humans," was filed recently
with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by its inventor, Mitchell S.
Felder, MD.
The nasal spray is intended to be used as a prophylactic against contracting Covid-19 specifically, and coronaviruses in general. The mechanism of action utilizes an antibody with a solution which blocks ACE2 receptors found in nasal epithelial cells. The nasal spray may possibly decrease the severity of clinical manifestations in infected patients by decreasing the initial Covid-19 viral load.
The technology covered in this provisional patent application is fully compatible with Halberd's current research and extends it to address all three phases of the coronavirus:
Mr. William A. Hartman, Chairman, President & CEO of Halberd Corporation, stated, "We continue to closely monitor technology advancements, across all of our sites, in the fight against Covid-19 and develop products to address the most pressing needs. We continue to make progress towards this goal."
The nasal spray is intended to be used as a prophylactic against contracting Covid-19 specifically, and coronaviruses in general. The mechanism of action utilizes an antibody with a solution which blocks ACE2 receptors found in nasal epithelial cells. The nasal spray may possibly decrease the severity of clinical manifestations in infected patients by decreasing the initial Covid-19 viral load.
The technology covered in this provisional patent application is fully compatible with Halberd's current research and extends it to address all three phases of the coronavirus:
- A Preventative and Early Treatment;
- A Diagnostic, and
- A Therapeutic Treatment.
Mr. William A. Hartman, Chairman, President & CEO of Halberd Corporation, stated, "We continue to closely monitor technology advancements, across all of our sites, in the fight against Covid-19 and develop products to address the most pressing needs. We continue to make progress towards this goal."
8. BioBlock®, a Novel Prophylactic Nasal Spray With Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Developed by Icosagen, Has Received Marketing Authorization and Is Available for Sale in Estonia
May 4, 2021 - BioBlock® nasal spray is designed to serve as a
prophylactic, supplemental measure to help prevent the spread of the
SARS-CoV-2 virus, reduce the infection rate, and avoid extensive
restrictions. It is intended be used in conjunction with other
preventive measures such as masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, as
well as vaccination.
BioBlock® is a natural product
derived from bovine colostrum collected from cows hyperimmunized with
the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein. Bovine colostrum is milk produced by
cows within the first few days after giving birth that contains
antibodies that provide passive immunity to the newborn calves.
BioBlock® is produced from colostrum that, along with other naturally
occurring beneficial antibodies, contains antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Professor Mart Ustav, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Icosagen,
who developed the original concept for the product, emphasized that this
is not a traditional pharmaceutical drug, but a locally administered
antiviral product that works on the surface of the mucous membranes in
the nasopharynx, where the early phase of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection
begins. Based on laboratory tests, BioBlock® solution is able to
effectively inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
"It is a natural
product sprayed into the nasopharynx, with a single administration dose
containing 80 mg of bovine antibodies, which is 2,000 times less than in
one glass of milk," professor Ustav specified. However, it should be
noted that, although BioBlock® is lactose-free, it is not recommended
for people with allergies to milk proteins.
Furthermore,
according to professor Ustav, tests have shown that these antibodies are
not only effective against the first virus strain that originated in
Wuhan, but also against the new, more prevalent virus variants from
Great Britain (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), and Brazil (P.1). It
was studied both in biochemical and in BSL-3 laboratory live SARS-CoV-2
virus experiments at the University of Tartu, which confirmed its broad
activity. Effectiveness against the Indian strain of the virus is
currently being tested and determined.
A clinical study has
shown that the antibodies in BioBlock® nasal spray remain on the mucosa
and provide protection for up to 4 hours.
BioBlock® could be
helpful as an additional preventive measure against the SARS-CoV-2 virus
whenever or wherever social distancing is difficult and potential risk
for infection is present—at home or work, in restaurants, schools, gyms,
public transportation, or other crowded places.
Consortium of Estonian companies
To develop, produce, and bring to the market the novel
BioBlock® nasal spray, a number of well-established Estonian companies
and universities joined together to form a consortium. The consortium
includes the following: Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ; AS Chemi-Pharm; OÜ
Teadus ja Tegu; Estonian University of Life Sciences (Institute of
Veterinary Medicine and OÜ Eerika farm); and University of Tartu
(Institute of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedical and Translational
Medicine, and Institute of Technology).
Collectively, members
of the consortium including Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ, Chemi-Pharm AS,
and the Institute of Pharmacy of the University of Tartu have developed
a precise recipe for BioBlock® that ensures efficacy and safety of the
product.
"Production volumes are growing every week, reaching
hundreds of thousands in the coming months. In particular, we supply
nasal spray to Estonian residents in Benu pharmacies and Chemi-Pharm
e-store. The next step is to plan exports to neighboring countries
first, then further afield,” said Ruth Oltjer, the founder of
Chemi-Pharm.
BioBlock® nasal spray is marketed under
the new Chemi-Pharm brand Medihex. BioBlock® is currently restricted to
sale in Estonia.
May 4, 2021 - BioBlock® nasal spray is designed to serve as a
prophylactic, supplemental measure to help prevent the spread of the
SARS-CoV-2 virus, reduce the infection rate, and avoid extensive
restrictions. It is intended be used in conjunction with other
preventive measures such as masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, as
well as vaccination.
BioBlock® is a natural product derived from bovine colostrum collected from cows hyperimmunized with the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein. Bovine colostrum is milk produced by cows within the first few days after giving birth that contains antibodies that provide passive immunity to the newborn calves. BioBlock® is produced from colostrum that, along with other naturally occurring beneficial antibodies, contains antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
BioBlock® is a natural product derived from bovine colostrum collected from cows hyperimmunized with the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein. Bovine colostrum is milk produced by cows within the first few days after giving birth that contains antibodies that provide passive immunity to the newborn calves. BioBlock® is produced from colostrum that, along with other naturally occurring beneficial antibodies, contains antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Professor Mart Ustav, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Icosagen,
who developed the original concept for the product, emphasized that this
is not a traditional pharmaceutical drug, but a locally administered
antiviral product that works on the surface of the mucous membranes in
the nasopharynx, where the early phase of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection
begins. Based on laboratory tests, BioBlock® solution is able to
effectively inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
"It is a natural product sprayed into the nasopharynx, with a single administration dose containing 80 mg of bovine antibodies, which is 2,000 times less than in one glass of milk," professor Ustav specified. However, it should be noted that, although BioBlock® is lactose-free, it is not recommended for people with allergies to milk proteins.
Furthermore, according to professor Ustav, tests have shown that these antibodies are not only effective against the first virus strain that originated in Wuhan, but also against the new, more prevalent virus variants from Great Britain (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), and Brazil (P.1). It was studied both in biochemical and in BSL-3 laboratory live SARS-CoV-2 virus experiments at the University of Tartu, which confirmed its broad activity. Effectiveness against the Indian strain of the virus is currently being tested and determined.
A clinical study has shown that the antibodies in BioBlock® nasal spray remain on the mucosa and provide protection for up to 4 hours.
BioBlock® could be helpful as an additional preventive measure against the SARS-CoV-2 virus whenever or wherever social distancing is difficult and potential risk for infection is present—at home or work, in restaurants, schools, gyms, public transportation, or other crowded places.
Consortium of Estonian companies
To develop, produce, and bring to the market the novel BioBlock® nasal spray, a number of well-established Estonian companies and universities joined together to form a consortium. The consortium includes the following: Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ; AS Chemi-Pharm; OÜ Teadus ja Tegu; Estonian University of Life Sciences (Institute of Veterinary Medicine and OÜ Eerika farm); and University of Tartu (Institute of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedical and Translational Medicine, and Institute of Technology).
Collectively, members of the consortium including Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ, Chemi-Pharm AS, and the Institute of Pharmacy of the University of Tartu have developed a precise recipe for BioBlock® that ensures efficacy and safety of the product.
"Production volumes are growing every week, reaching hundreds of thousands in the coming months. In particular, we supply nasal spray to Estonian residents in Benu pharmacies and Chemi-Pharm e-store. The next step is to plan exports to neighboring countries first, then further afield,” said Ruth Oltjer, the founder of Chemi-Pharm.
BioBlock® nasal spray is marketed under the new Chemi-Pharm brand Medihex. BioBlock® is currently restricted to sale in Estonia.
"It is a natural product sprayed into the nasopharynx, with a single administration dose containing 80 mg of bovine antibodies, which is 2,000 times less than in one glass of milk," professor Ustav specified. However, it should be noted that, although BioBlock® is lactose-free, it is not recommended for people with allergies to milk proteins.
Furthermore, according to professor Ustav, tests have shown that these antibodies are not only effective against the first virus strain that originated in Wuhan, but also against the new, more prevalent virus variants from Great Britain (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), and Brazil (P.1). It was studied both in biochemical and in BSL-3 laboratory live SARS-CoV-2 virus experiments at the University of Tartu, which confirmed its broad activity. Effectiveness against the Indian strain of the virus is currently being tested and determined.
A clinical study has shown that the antibodies in BioBlock® nasal spray remain on the mucosa and provide protection for up to 4 hours.
BioBlock® could be helpful as an additional preventive measure against the SARS-CoV-2 virus whenever or wherever social distancing is difficult and potential risk for infection is present—at home or work, in restaurants, schools, gyms, public transportation, or other crowded places.
Consortium of Estonian companies
To develop, produce, and bring to the market the novel BioBlock® nasal spray, a number of well-established Estonian companies and universities joined together to form a consortium. The consortium includes the following: Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ; AS Chemi-Pharm; OÜ Teadus ja Tegu; Estonian University of Life Sciences (Institute of Veterinary Medicine and OÜ Eerika farm); and University of Tartu (Institute of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedical and Translational Medicine, and Institute of Technology).
Collectively, members of the consortium including Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ, Chemi-Pharm AS, and the Institute of Pharmacy of the University of Tartu have developed a precise recipe for BioBlock® that ensures efficacy and safety of the product.
"Production volumes are growing every week, reaching hundreds of thousands in the coming months. In particular, we supply nasal spray to Estonian residents in Benu pharmacies and Chemi-Pharm e-store. The next step is to plan exports to neighboring countries first, then further afield,” said Ruth Oltjer, the founder of Chemi-Pharm.
BioBlock® nasal spray is marketed under the new Chemi-Pharm brand Medihex. BioBlock® is currently restricted to sale in Estonia.
9. COVIXYL-V (Salvacion USA)
New Jersey-based medical devices company Salvacion, in partnership with
the National Cancer Institute, is developing a nasal spray technology to
prevent Covid-19 infection. The spray, COVIXYL-V, contains the active
ingredient ethyl lauroyl arginate hydrochloride (ELAH) and creates a
physical barrier that prevents the virus from attaching itself to the
surface in the nasopharynx.
An in vitro study of COVIXYL-V
with an rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 model showed the virus is 99.99% inhibited at
low concentration. An in vivo study in Syrian hamsters also demonstrated
that the virus is 99.99% inactivated with no adverse events following
administration of the spray.
Salvacion has submitted
COVIXYL-V to the FDA for pre-emergency use authorisation and is awaiting
approval for the product’s commercial use in the US.
New Jersey-based medical devices company Salvacion, in partnership with
the National Cancer Institute, is developing a nasal spray technology to
prevent Covid-19 infection. The spray, COVIXYL-V, contains the active
ingredient ethyl lauroyl arginate hydrochloride (ELAH) and creates a
physical barrier that prevents the virus from attaching itself to the
surface in the nasopharynx.
An in vitro study of COVIXYL-V with an rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 model showed the virus is 99.99% inhibited at low concentration. An in vivo study in Syrian hamsters also demonstrated that the virus is 99.99% inactivated with no adverse events following administration of the spray.
Salvacion has submitted COVIXYL-V to the FDA for pre-emergency use authorisation and is awaiting approval for the product’s commercial use in the US.
An in vitro study of COVIXYL-V with an rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 model showed the virus is 99.99% inhibited at low concentration. An in vivo study in Syrian hamsters also demonstrated that the virus is 99.99% inactivated with no adverse events following administration of the spray.
Salvacion has submitted COVIXYL-V to the FDA for pre-emergency use authorisation and is awaiting approval for the product’s commercial use in the US.
10. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer
Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic is made in the USA with 15 years of safe use. This product is designed and specially formulated to reduce nasal germs while providing a soothing and pleasant experience. Nozin is trusted in hundreds of hospitals to decrease infection rates.
Nozin was recognized in Newsweek’s Best Healthcare 2020 award for Best Infection Prevention Products. Backed by years of clinical studies, Nozin Nasal Sanitizer is now available to you without prescription.
Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic is an advanced, germ-fighting formula that contains 62% alcohol, designed to improve nasal hygiene. As a main entry point into the body for potentially harmful germs, the nose can be particularly vulnerable. Better nasal hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer was shown to kill 99.99% of a broad spectrum of pathogens. Persistence data show the product reduces harmful germs for up to 12 hours. Years of clinical studies and development support adding Nozin to daily hygiene routines.
Combined with hand washing/sanitizing, using Nozin Nasal Sanitizer to kill germs in your nose is an effective way to help prevent the spread of germs that may cause infection. Sanitizing the nose with a topical antiseptic is an established prevention practice in healthcare. Targeting germs in the nose has been used for decades to help prevent infections in hospitals and Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic is used in hundreds of hospitals for daily application. Use Nozin Nasal Sanitizer every time you or your family leave the house.
What is the difference between the Nasal Sanitizer product and a nasal rinse? Saline and other similar nasal rinses are designed to wash the nasal passages and can also help clear mucus. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer is an antiseptic that is used to kill germs that are carried in the anterior nares (nasal vestibule).
Is Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic FDA regulated? Yes. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic adheres to the OTC monograph system for topical antiseptics with alcohol as the active ingredient. In testing by independent FDA registered laboratories, the patented Nasal Sanitizer formulation was shown on application in vitro to kill 99.99% of a broad spectrum of pathogenic organisms. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any specific disease.
Are there side effects associated with using Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic? Clinical testing and millions of uses have shown the product to be safe when used as directed. Please read the entire product package prior to use including Drug Facts and Warnings. Do not use it if you have allergies to any of the ingredients. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer is not habit forming and does not cause drowsiness sometimes associated with nasal sprays, gels, and decongestants. The product is gluten free, latex free and zinc free.
Is Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic available in retail stores? Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic is used in hospital systems and healthcare facilities across the country. For consumers, Nozin is available to purchase only online.
NB: COVID-19 is a highly dynamic topic. Please refer to the latest FLCCC I-MASK+ protocol.
Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic is made in the USA with 15 years of safe use. This product is designed and specially formulated to reduce nasal germs while providing a soothing and pleasant experience. Nozin is trusted in hundreds of hospitals to decrease infection rates.
Nozin was recognized in Newsweek’s Best Healthcare 2020 award for Best Infection Prevention Products. Backed by years of clinical studies, Nozin Nasal Sanitizer is now available to you without prescription.
Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic is an advanced, germ-fighting formula that contains 62% alcohol, designed to improve nasal hygiene. As a main entry point into the body for potentially harmful germs, the nose can be particularly vulnerable. Better nasal hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer was shown to kill 99.99% of a broad spectrum of pathogens. Persistence data show the product reduces harmful germs for up to 12 hours. Years of clinical studies and development support adding Nozin to daily hygiene routines.
Combined with hand washing/sanitizing, using Nozin Nasal Sanitizer to kill germs in your nose is an effective way to help prevent the spread of germs that may cause infection. Sanitizing the nose with a topical antiseptic is an established prevention practice in healthcare. Targeting germs in the nose has been used for decades to help prevent infections in hospitals and Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic is used in hundreds of hospitals for daily application. Use Nozin Nasal Sanitizer every time you or your family leave the house.
What is the difference between the Nasal Sanitizer product and a nasal rinse? Saline and other similar nasal rinses are designed to wash the nasal passages and can also help clear mucus. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer is an antiseptic that is used to kill germs that are carried in the anterior nares (nasal vestibule).
Is Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic FDA regulated? Yes. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic adheres to the OTC monograph system for topical antiseptics with alcohol as the active ingredient. In testing by independent FDA registered laboratories, the patented Nasal Sanitizer formulation was shown on application in vitro to kill 99.99% of a broad spectrum of pathogenic organisms. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any specific disease.
Are there side effects associated with using Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic? Clinical testing and millions of uses have shown the product to be safe when used as directed. Please read the entire product package prior to use including Drug Facts and Warnings. Do not use it if you have allergies to any of the ingredients. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer is not habit forming and does not cause drowsiness sometimes associated with nasal sprays, gels, and decongestants. The product is gluten free, latex free and zinc free.
Is Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic available in retail stores? Nozin Nasal Sanitizer antiseptic is used in hospital systems and healthcare facilities across the country. For consumers, Nozin is available to purchase only online.
NB: COVID-19 is a highly dynamic topic. Please refer to the latest FLCCC I-MASK+ protocol.
What's New
June 15, 2021: South Valley University in Egypt’s Clinical Trial Reveals
Ivermectin-based Nasal Spray Improves COVID-19 Outcomes.
May 22, 2021: Mexican randomized trial of prophylactic silver
nanoparticle nasal spray/mouthwash (n=231) ends up with a very
impressive 85% COVID-19 infection reduction. Attacking Covid early in
the upper airways yields massive dividends. (medrxiv.org)
May 16, 2021: Do the NIH and WHO COVID treatment recommendations need to be
fixed? By Steve Kirsch.
"Great article on where we stand on the COVID-19 treatment
front debate" - COVID19Crusher
April 15, 2021 - Administration of a nasal spray with Iota-Carrageenan, in
addition to hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment
and social distancing, could provide additional protection until
vaccines can be administered to the majority of the
population. (Amazon Betadine Nasal Spray)
Feb 9, 2021 - Ivermectin plus Azithromycin plus Montelukast
plus Aspirin totally crush Covid-19 in propective Mexican study
(n=768). The TNR4 multidrug therapy (New Therapy for Recovery of
COVID-19 infection, 4 medications; in
Spanish: Terapia Nueva para
la Recuperación en la infección por
COVID19, 4 medicamentos).
Lima-Morales R, Mendez-Hernandez P, Flores YN, Osorno-Romero P,
Cuecuecha-Rugerio E, Nava-Zamora A, Hernandez-Galdamez DR,
Romo-Duenas DK, Salmeron J, Effectiveness of a multidrug therapy
consisting of ivermectin, azithromycin, montelukast and
acetylsalicylic acid to prevent hospitalization and death among
ambulatory COVID-19 cases in Tlaxcala, Mexico, International
Journal of Infectious Diseases (2021), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.014
Feb 8, 2021 - Successful UK randomized trial (STOIC - Steroids in
COVID-19) of 146 outpatient inhaled budesonide, with 90% reduction
in need for urgent care, ED or hospitalization. Median/avg
clinical recovery 1/3 days quicker.
Feb 4, 2021 - Povidone Iodine Mouthwash, Gargle, and Nasal Spray to Reduce
Nasopharyngeal Viral Load in Patients With COVID-19: A Randomized
Clinical Trial
RCT of PCR+ patients with Ct<=20 with 12 treatment and 12
control patients, concluding that nasopharyngeal decolonization may
reduce the carriage of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in adults with mild to
moderate COVID-19. All patients but 1 had negative viral titer by
day 3 (group not specified). There was no significant difference in
viral RNA quantification over time. The mean relative difference in
viral titers between baseline and day 1 was 75% [43%-95%] in the
intervention group and 32% [10%-65%] in the control group. Thyroid
dysfunction occurred in 42% of treated patients, with spontaneous
resolution after the end of treatment. Patients in the treatment
group were younger.
Guenezan et al., JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg., doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2020.5490 (Peer Reviewed)
Related: Betadine Gargle
June 15, 2021: South Valley University in Egypt’s Clinical Trial Reveals
Ivermectin-based Nasal Spray Improves COVID-19 Outcomes.
May 22, 2021: Mexican randomized trial of prophylactic silver
nanoparticle nasal spray/mouthwash (n=231) ends up with a very
impressive 85% COVID-19 infection reduction. Attacking Covid early in
the upper airways yields massive dividends. (medrxiv.org)
May 16, 2021: Do the NIH and WHO COVID treatment recommendations need to be
fixed? By Steve Kirsch.
"Great article on where we stand on the COVID-19 treatment front debate" - COVID19Crusher
"Great article on where we stand on the COVID-19 treatment front debate" - COVID19Crusher
April 15, 2021 - Administration of a nasal spray with Iota-Carrageenan, in
addition to hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment
and social distancing, could provide additional protection until
vaccines can be administered to the majority of the
population. (Amazon Betadine Nasal Spray)
Feb 9, 2021 - Ivermectin plus Azithromycin plus Montelukast
plus Aspirin totally crush Covid-19 in propective Mexican study
(n=768). The TNR4 multidrug therapy (New Therapy for Recovery of
COVID-19 infection, 4 medications; in
Spanish: Terapia Nueva para
la Recuperación en la infección por
COVID19, 4 medicamentos).
Lima-Morales R, Mendez-Hernandez P, Flores YN, Osorno-Romero P,
Cuecuecha-Rugerio E, Nava-Zamora A, Hernandez-Galdamez DR,
Romo-Duenas DK, Salmeron J, Effectiveness of a multidrug therapy
consisting of ivermectin, azithromycin, montelukast and
acetylsalicylic acid to prevent hospitalization and death among
ambulatory COVID-19 cases in Tlaxcala, Mexico, International
Journal of Infectious Diseases (2021), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.014
Feb 8, 2021 - Successful UK randomized trial (STOIC - Steroids in
COVID-19) of 146 outpatient inhaled budesonide, with 90% reduction
in need for urgent care, ED or hospitalization. Median/avg
clinical recovery 1/3 days quicker.
Feb 4, 2021 - Povidone Iodine Mouthwash, Gargle, and Nasal Spray to Reduce Nasopharyngeal Viral Load in Patients With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial
RCT of PCR+ patients with Ct<=20 with 12 treatment and 12 control patients, concluding that nasopharyngeal decolonization may reduce the carriage of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19. All patients but 1 had negative viral titer by day 3 (group not specified). There was no significant difference in viral RNA quantification over time. The mean relative difference in viral titers between baseline and day 1 was 75% [43%-95%] in the intervention group and 32% [10%-65%] in the control group. Thyroid dysfunction occurred in 42% of treated patients, with spontaneous resolution after the end of treatment. Patients in the treatment group were younger.
Guenezan et al., JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg., doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2020.5490 (Peer Reviewed)
Related: Betadine Gargle
Related:
NB: COVID-19 is a highly dynamic topic. Please refer to the
latest FLCCC protocol.
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