Nasal Spray Reduces COVID-19 Symptoms

Atossa Therapeutics announced that its Phase 1 trial of a nasal spray developed to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 was successful. The results of the trial of the spray called AT-301 showed that it was well tolerated by both healthy men and women.

According to Clinical Trials Arena, only one woman in the study group developed moderate to severe side effects from the spray. The rest experienced mild bouts of coughing and sneezing.

“The results from this study are very encouraging and we look forward to quickly commencing the next study of AT-301,” said Atossa CEO Steven Quay. The company also plans to create a nasal spray to prevent COVID-19 in high-risk situations.

Experts say that having a nasal spray to combat COVID-19 would be an asset in the battle.

A research team from Oxford University that helped develop the COVID-19 vaccine along with AstraZeneca, is now assessing the possibility of creating nasal sprays or tablets to fight the virus. Giving a spritz instead of a shot with easier-to-administer drugs could help the fight against COVID-19, according to the Independent.

Currently scientists from Lancaster University in England and Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio are working on a nasal spray to combat COVID-19 that has been shown to be effective in animal studies.

“Though the vaccine showed promising safety and efficacy in this animal model, human trials are still required to determine its applicability and to obtain regulatory approvals,” said the researchers.