Corona virus: Researchers check whether nasal spray protects against infections – That a nasal spray should protect against corona infection may sound a bit absurd at first, but behind this idea there is serious research by renowned experts, which was recently published on the science platform “bioRxiv” has been published.
Scientists from “UC San Francisco” presented a nasal spray that they are firmly convinced of can prevent infection with the corona virus.
With biochemist Peter Walter, in whose laboratory the agent was developed, a professor from Berlin is also involved.
“We named the new drug AeroNabs,” Walter explains in an interview with ARD. “The name came about because we turned molecules into an aerosol and were able to create a mist. If this is inhaled, it gets deep into the lungs. There it can attack the virus before it penetrates the body cells. “
Walter, who has already been discussed several times for the Nobel Prize in Medicine, hopes that the preparation will provide protection for 24 hours.
He and his team have succeeded in producing artificial protein molecules in the laboratory, which resemble so-called nano-bodies, which in turn are able to outsmart pathogens. The plan stipulates that the molecules should settle on the crown-like surface of the corona virus, thereby rendering it unusable.
Walter says: “The molecules have binding regions with which they attach themselves to the virus.” And then don’t let go, which completely deactivates the virus.
To clarify the results, Walter uses the course of the corona infection. The virus enters the body through the nasal passages, where it attacks human cells. Then it goes to the lungs, where it multiplies.
“As long as we can keep the virus in the nasal cavity, the AeroNabs will work fine. At least that’s what we hope and plan, ”summarizes the professor.
Walter and his team want to offer reliable protection until a vaccine is available. “The molecules are easy to manufacture in large quantities,” says the Berlin expert.
“If there are no clinical side effects, the spray could well find a wide range of uses.”
Walter sees another great advantage that the manufacture of the drug is similar to that of insulin. If AeroNabs proves its effectiveness in the coming clinical tests, it could be available in a few months. Corresponding discussions with manufacturers are already underway.
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