Anti-COVID-19 nasal spray protects against coronavirus infection for up to 48 hours

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Anti-COVID-19 nasal spray that protects against coronavirus infection for up to 48 hours is ‘ready to use in humans’ and could be mass produced in WEEKS, scientists say

  • The spray uses compounds already approved by regulators for human use
  • Researchers at the University of Birmingham made the spray and say it is ‘ready to use’
  • The spray was found to inhibit the activity of the coronavirus in laboratory experiments
  • Would be used along with maks and social distancing in high risk scenarios

By Joe Pinkstone For Mailonline

Posted: | Update:

A nasal spray that claims to provide protection against Covid-19 infection for up to 48 hours may soon be available in the UK.

Chemicals already approved for human use have been combined to make the spray, and laboratory studies show that it inhibits the ability of the coronavirus to bind to human cells.

The spray is made up of two main ingredients, called carrageenan and gellan, both of which are used in food science as thickening agents.

Because the ingredients are already approved for human use, the developers claim the product is ready for use as soon as it gets the green light from authorities.

Chemicals already approved for human use have been combined to make the spray and laboratory studies show it inhibits the ability of the coronavirus to bind to human cells

Chemicals already approved for human use have been combined to make the spray and lab studies show it inhibits the ability of the coronavirus to bind to human cells

Lead author of the document, Dr Richard Moakes, said: “This spray is made from readily available products that are already used in food and medicine and we have deliberately incorporated these conditions into our design process.

“This means that with the right partners, we could start mass production in a matter of weeks.

The gellan component allows the spray to be delivered as a fine mist and it covers the entire inside of the nose.

If the spray comes in contact with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, it catches it, locks it in and expels it either by swallowing or blowing its nose.

Researchers behind the project at the University of Birmingham say the spray could be particularly useful in high-risk situations, such as for healthcare workers, thefts or in classrooms.

The gellan component allows the spray to be delivered as a fine mist and once it is in the nose it catches and envelops SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, and is neutralized by swallowing or blowing the nose. (Stock)

The gellan component allows the spray to be delivered as a fine mist and once it is in the nose it catches and envelops SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, and is neutralized by swallowing or blowing the nose. (Stock)

Nasal drops made with chicken coronavirus antibodies ‘give short-term immunity to Covid-19’

Nasal drops made from anti-coronavirus antibodies taken from chicken eggs could confer short-term immunity against Covid-19, scientists have said.

Chickens make antibodies against infections, just like humans, and infection-fighting chemicals are also found in high concentrations in their eggs.

Researchers are using the birds to quickly produce antibodies against the coronavirus and extract them from their yolks in hopes they can help humans.

They believe that if the chicken antibodies are embedded in a nasal spray or droplets, they could provide short-term protection against Covid-19.

In situations where the risk of transmission is high, scientists plan to use the spray alongside pre-existing measures, such as social distancing and face masks.

“Products like these do not replace existing measures such as wearing masks and washing hands, which will continue to be vital in preventing the spread of the virus,” adds Dr Moakes.

“What this spray will do, however, is add a second layer of protection to prevent and slow down transmission.

The results of the latest tests are available for pre-printing on the bioRxiv server.

Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor of cell microbiology at the University of Reading, told MailOnline: ‘Some people use similar nasal sprays for the common cold, but they rely on people who notice symptoms in time, but Covid -19 seems to only cause symptoms once the virus has reached the lungs; the spray will not reach as far into the airways in significant amounts.

“It remains to be seen how, if this is effective, it could be used. It may be necessary to take it all the time to prevent infection.

Scientists at Stanford had a similar thought to academics at Birmingham and are also in the process of creating a preventative nasal spray.

But instead of using licensed compounds found in many foods, they use chicken antibodies harvested from their eggs.

Chickens make antibodies against infections, just like humans, and infection-fighting chemicals are also found in high concentrations in their eggs.

However, while the academics behind the project are optimistic about its potential uses, others are more skeptical.

Simon Clarke, associate professor of cell microbiology at the University of Reading, told The Times: ‘It might have some use, but it assumes people are only infected through the nose.

“This strategy would not stop infection through the mouth or eyes.



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