Researchers from Public Health England’s Porton Down are working on it, conducting the first tests on ferrets. The spray contains molecules that activate particular receptors in the throat and nose, enhancing the body’s immune response
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A group of researchers is working on developing a nasal spray that could nip contagion in the bud coronavirus. Experts from Public Health England’s Porton Down found this and explained the details in a study published on the bioRxiv open access site. According to reports, the first results would seem promising, but projects of this kind must always be taken with due caution given the long scientific procedure required before they see the light. Used weekly, the spray would considerably reduce the replication of the virus in the body, reducing the chances of transmission of the infection.
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How the anti Covid-19 nasal spray works
While the global scientific community is looking for an effective vaccine against the virus Sars-cov-2, responsible of Covid-19, some researchers have focused on this particular molecule – contained in the spray – which is similar to a drug and interacts with cells in the nasal cavity and immediately activates the body’s immune system. In fact, the compound contains molecules designed to activate the TLR2 and TLR6 receptors: these are epithelial cells of the mucosa that line the throat and nose. The nasal spray against the coronavirus, in practice, would increase the presence of white blood cells by enhancing the immune response of the organism. “It will begin human experimentation within the next four months” assures Christophe Demaison, CEO of Ena Respiratory, the Australian company that developed the artificial molecule. “It was initially developed as a remedy to combat colds and the common flu, but its effectiveness had not yet been demonstrated,” says the expert, adding that the treatment could offer additional defenses for those most vulnerable to Covid-19, such as the elderly and patients with previous conditions.
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The first tests on ferrets
The nasal spray that would help counter coronavirus infection has already been tested on ferrets, giving satisfactory answers to researchers. In the study we read that a group of ferrets received two doses of the solution containing the artificial molecule, made by Ena Respiratory, developed to boost the immune system. According to the team’s findings, they still have to
undergoing review, the spray, applied the day before coronavirus exposure, inhibited replication of the virus in the nose and in the throat by 96%, reducing the risk of infection and the chances of transmission.
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