Nasal spray shows promise in preventing COVID-19

US researchers have highlighted the potential of a nasal spray in preventing and treating COVID-19.

Writing in Nature, scientists report that a study in mice confirmed the spray not only prevented the spread of the virus, but was also an effective treatment if administered within 12 hours after infection.

Senior author, Dr Francis Jean, highlighted that the compound contained in the nasal spray, N-0385, has the potential to be used as a broad-spectrum mechanism against other viruses – such as influenza A, H1N1, and influenza C.

"Even not knowing what you've been infected with during flu season, you could potentially be prescribed a nasal spray to treat coronaviruses and the flu,” he said.

It is envisioned that the nasal spray would be used in combination with other treatments that are already available.

The spray attempts to block the entry of the virus while other drugs focus on reducing its replication.

"The big picture is, there are multiple steps in the life cycle of a virus. The first step is entering a cell to pass on genetic material, then it goes on to replicate. So you would use both drugs: N-0385 could block most of the virus' entry, making less work for the replicator drug," Jean explained.

Researchers are working with Ebvia, a private company, to secure funding for clinical trials.