Anti-COVID nasal drops prescribed at the University of Birmingham, UK, are “ready for use in humans” | World

The formulation consists of antiviral agents, λcarrageenan, and gellan polysaccharides, both of which are already manufactured to pharmaceutical grade.

A preprint study (not yet peer-reviewed) describes cell cultures that have tested the ability of formulations to inhibit COVID-19 infection.

These studies have shown that the formulation can result in a significant (minimum p <0.05) suppression of infection in cell cultures attacked by live virus compared to untreated controls.

University of Birmingham Enterprise Filed a patent application for a sprayable antiviral formulation for use as an oral, nasal, or multifaceted spray, and patented an organization currently engaged in the manufacture and distribution of consumer products. I’m trying to license. Possible audience.

Researchers led by Professor Liam Grover and Dr. Richard Mokes have designed a spray that can evenly cover the inside of the nose and set out to stay where it was sprayed.

The researchers screened the FDA-approved polymer’s mucosal adhesion and ability to “plume” when sprayed using a common nasal spray applicator. We then modeled the physics of various polymers and quickly settled on gellan polysaccharides. This extends the life of the application by allowing the nasal spray to stay inside the nose before testing and characterizing the mixture of gellan and λ carrageenan in various ratios. To find a formulation that provides optimal “sprayability” and viscosity.

The team also determined the ability of the formulation to prevent infection in virus-infected cell cultures. They significantly suppressed infection up to 1/300 dilution (minimum p <0.05), and complete and very significant infection at dilutions greater than 1/30 (minimum p <0.05) compared to the untreated control group. p <0.001) Inhibition was shown.

Researchers test the dose by treating the virus before adding it to the cell culture, first treating the cells and then introducing the virus, and the formulation puts a three-dimensional barrier around both the cells and the virus. It was concluded that this would prevent infection. The virus is neutralized by λcarrageenan.

During use, it is equivalent to an antiviral nasal spray that catches and coats the virus inside the nose and prevents the body from taking up the virus, so it can be removed by the usual route (blow or swallow). When viral particles are passed to another person through sneezing or coughing, the antiviral effect reduces the risk of transmitting an active virus.

The team believes that sprays can be particularly useful in areas where congestion is unavoidable, such as airplanes and classrooms, and that regular application of sprays can significantly reduce the transmission of the disease.

Dr. Richard Moke’s commented: “This spray is made from ready-to-use products that are already used in foods and medicines. We deliberately incorporate these conditions into the design process, which means working with the right partners. You can start mass production within a few weeks. “

“Such products do not replace existing measures that remain essential to prevent the spread of the virus, such as wearing masks and washing hands,” Dr. Moakes adds. “But what this spray does is add a second layer of protection to prevent and delay viral infections.”

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About the University of Birmingham Enterprise

The University of Birmingham Enterprise helps students and researchers transform their ideas into new services, products and businesses that meet their real needs. He also supports innovators and entrepreneurs with mentoring, advice and training, and manages university academic consulting services.

Source Birmingham University Enterprise