Birmingham researchers develop nasal spray to protect against Covid-19
Diagnostics supplier Birmingham Biotech and the University of Birmingham have signed a licensing agreement to commercialise an anti-viral nasal spray that protects against Covid-19.
The spray is designed to work by encapsulating and deactivating the virus while it is still in the nose, preventing its wider uptake in the body. With the nose being a major viral entry point for viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, it is an ideal target for approaches designed to reduce person-to-person transmission.
The formulation was engineered by professor Liam Grover, from the university’s Healthcare Technologies Institute, and a team of researchers who also collaborated on its testing.
Professor Grover said: “As Covid-19 restrictions around the world are gradually lifting, there is a real need for effective methods of viral protection. While existing measures like wearing masks and handwashing remain essential, this nasal spray provides an additional protective measure with the potential to reduce transmission. We are thrilled to be working with Birmingham Biotech to bring the anti-viral nasal spray to individuals around the world.”
Michael Hsu, managing director at Birmingham Biotech, added: “We are delighted to enter into a partnership with the University of Birmingham and to be able to work together with its world-leading academic researchers to advance medical innovations. We have a shared commitment to bring our proprietary anti-Covid-19 nasal spray to as many people as possible at an affordable price, focusing on developing markets with the greatest need.”
The spray consists of two compounds, the first being a polysaccharide gel which can ‘plume’ rather than ‘jet spray’ when applied with a typical nasal spray applicator. It is retained on the mucous-coated epithelia in the nose where it coats and retains the virus, so it does not travel further down the respiratory tract. The second compound is a potent antiviral agent called carrageenan.
In a study, the researchers confirmed the complete inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 activity provided by carrageenan and the ability of the formulation to prevent contraction and transmission in cell culture. They also confirmed that the spray covers a surface area that is six times greater than when formulated without the gel.
The licensing agreement covers the entire duration of the patents and gives Birmingham Biotech exclusive rights to market and sell the anti-viral nasal spray worldwide, except for India. Birmingham Biotech plans to establish a joint venture with the University of Birmingham to commercialise new products based on intellectual property and technical knowledge from the university.
