It has been reported that Thai scientists are developing an anti-viral nasal spray aimed at countering Covid-19 infections. The solution neutralizes the virus when it enters the nose, and it is currently in the research and development phase. The spray will soon be tested on volunteers at the National Cancer Institute.
The spray is being developed as part of a joint public and private effort, which includes the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. Besides Chulalongkorn University, the partnership also includes the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, the Health Systems Research Institute, Silpakorn University and the private firm Hibiocy Co Ltd.
One of the antibodies was selected and designed for topical application on the area applied. This is different from Covid-19 vaccines which develop immunity to the virus from inside the body.
Once clinal trials are complete, the solution will be registered with Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration, whose approval is needed to start the manufacturing process. According to the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, which will be responsible for the production, the nasal spray will be on sale from the third quarter of 2022. Details about the dosage are not yet available but it has been revealed that it could be applied when there are risks of infection such as during a social gathering where masks are removed.
(Sources: Borneo Bulletin Online; Channel News Asia)
