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Commonly Used Nasal Spray May Prevent COVID-19 Infection: Study
A clinical trial of 450 adults found azelastine nasal spray reduced Covid infections to 2.2%, compared to 6.7% in placebo, suggesting potential for accessible prevention.
- Clinical trial results released Tuesday showed an over-the-counter azelastine nasal spray could prevent Covid infections, with Dr. Robert Bals saying it `could serve as a scalable, over-the-counter prophylactic`.
- Azelastine's prior in vitro data indicate antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV, potentially binding in the nasal mucosa to inhibit a viral enzyme and block early replication.
- The trial enrolled 450 adults, assigning 227 to azelastine and 223 to placebo groups over a 56-day period with three times daily dosing; PCR tests confirmed 2.2% infection in azelastine versus 6.7% in placebo, and 1.8% versus 6.3% rhinovirus incidence.
- Researchers emphasized the need for larger trials as Dr. Robert Bals cautioned the nasal spray should complement vaccines, while outside researchers like Dr. William Messer urged more data in older adults and immunocompromised people.
- Given azelastine's OTC status, the nasal spray might face fewer FDA regulatory barriers, yet public health and scalability concerns about dosing and rebound congestion remain, especially for influenza and RSV use.
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41 Articles
An over-the-counter nasal spray may protect against COVID-19, study says
Azelastine nasal spray, commonly used to treat seasonal allergies, also may offer protection against COVID-19, a new study shows. But researchers warn it should not be used as a replacement for vaccination. More studies are needed.
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KULR-TVNasal spray shows promise in preventing COVID in clinical trials
An over-the-counter nasal spray, long used as a treatment for seasonal allergies, may offer potential in preventing COVID, according to clinical trial results released today.
Allergy Nasal Spray May Help Ward Off COVID
A widely available nasal spray used for allergies may offer unexpected protection against COVID, a new study suggests. Researchers at Saarland University Hospital in Germany tested the antihistamine azelastine, an over-the-counter product, on 450 adults, most in their early 30s. Half the group used the spray three times daily, while...
Commonly used nasal spray may prevent COVID-19 infection: Study
A common over-the-counter nasal spray used for seasonal allergies may also protect against COVID-19 infections, according to the results of a new study published on Tuesday in JAMA Internal Medicine. The antihistamine azelastine is effective against the flu and RSV. Now, it appears to help fight against COVID-19 as well. Test group and methodology Researchers from Saarland University Hospital in Germany tested 450 adults, mostly in their early …
Azelastine nasal spray significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infections in clinical trial
The trial, led by Professor Robert Bals, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine V at Saarland University Medical Center and Professor of Internal Medicine at Saarland University, divided the 450 participants into two groups.
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