Scientists at the University of British Columbia and Cornell University have successfully created a nasal spray to treat Covid-19 and tested its effectiveness on mice.
The nasal spray compound, called N-0385, kills pathogens by blocking the virus’s ability to penetrate and infect cells. The nasal spray was tested on four strains, including Delta. The scientists found that the drug prevented infection without toxicity.
N-0385 is specifically designed to inhibit the activity of an enzyme in the nasal region, commonly used by viruses to infect host cells.
“This compound blocks the virus from entering the cell while itself is not active, does not cause any damage to the cell. It is very powerful, works effectively in only small amounts,” said Dr. Andrea Olmstead , study co-author, said.
In the preclinical trial, the expert at Cornell University said that all mice with Covid-19 that were treated with the drug four times a day recovered from the infection. Meanwhile, the survival rate of mice that did not receive the drug was 20%.
The study found that compound N-0385 was most effective at preventing Delta mutation within 12 hours of infection. Associate Professor François Jean, Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia, said the compound was suitable for use by nasal spray.
It also works against other viruses such as influenza A, H1N1 and influenza C. Thus, patients with a runny nose, but not sure what kind of illness they have, can still take the medicine.
“Even if you don’t know what virus you have during flu season, you can still take prescription medication to treat it,” Jean said.
A vial of a spray-on nasal spray. Photo: Shutterstock
According to Associate Professor Jean, once approved, the compound should be used in combination with commercially available drugs, because it inhibits the entry of viruses into cells. Meanwhile, other drugs reduce the amount of virus multiplying.
“Basically, the virus life cycle is divided into several stages. The first step is to enter a cell to transmit genetic material, then it replicates (replicates.) So you should combine drugs. N-0385 can block the entry of the virus, making drugs that inhibit viral replication work more effectively,” explained Associate Professor Jean.
Thuc Linh (According to UBC)
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