ITC starts clinical trials of nasal spray to prevent COVID-19 

ITC Nasal spray: A diversified Indian company, ITC Limited, confirmed on November 25, 2021 that it has begun clinical trials of a nasal spray that can prevent COVID-19 infection. 

The nasal spray has reportedly been developed by ITC Life Sciences and Technology Centre in Bengaluru. The internal trials have found the nasal spray to be effective against other viruses like the common cold. 

The ITC spokesperson while confirming the development said that they are unable to share more details at the current moment as the clinical trials are underway.

ITC Nasal Spray: All you need to know!

•ITC Nasal spray is said to have the potential to be effective in preventing infection as well as transmission of Covid-19. 

•Internal trials found it to be effective against other viruses like the common cold.

•ITC has received approvals from the ethics committees and has registered its clinical trials with Clinical Trial Registry - India (CTRI).

•The clinical trials of the nasal spray would take about three months. 

List of Other Nasal/ Mouth Sprays

Antimicrobial nasal and mouth sprays have been gaining popularity in recent months and several pharma majors are trying to come out with products to meet the demand.

Here is a list of nasal/ mouth sprays launched by other pharma companies to prevent COVID-19-

1. Cipla's Nasal Spray

Cipla launched Naselin antiviral nasal spray with povidone-iodine that can act as the first line of defense against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

The nasal spray has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that can offer protection against viruses that cause common upper respiratory tract illnesses like flu, cold or sinusitis. 

2. Glenmark's nasal spray

Glenmark has partnered with Canadian biotech firm SaNOtize to manufacture, market and distribute its nasal spray- NONS -for Covid-19 treatment. 

The pharma major aims to launch the nasal spray under the brand name- Fabispray by second half of 2021-2022.

The phase 3 trials of Glenmark's nasal spray are being conducted to see its effectiveness against Covid-19.

3. Cadila's mouth spray

Cadila Healthcare has also developed Viroshield, an enzyme-based mouth spray. The product has not been launched commercially. 

The enzyme-based mouth spray has been formulated in a way to break viral proteins, creating a protective barrier that will guard the mouth and throat against different viruses.