The nasal spray has the contents of Nitric Oxide which has to be sprayed over the nasal mucosa. It will act as physical and chemical barrier against the virus.
A Mumbai based global pharma company named Glenmark recently launched a nasal spray by the name FabiSpray in India. The spray is a Nitric Oxide based product. The company collaborated with SaNOtize for treatment of adult patients who are sufferings from COVID-19.
Reports suggest that Glenmark received marketing and manufacturing rights to sell its products in India from India’s drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India.
This is what the official statement reads, “Phase 3 trial in India met the key endpoints and demonstrated reduction of viral load of 94 per cent in 24 hours and 99 per cent in 48 hours. Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) was safe and well-tolerated in COVID-19 patients. Glenmark to market NONS under the brand name FabiSpray,” it says.
First Nasal Spray For Adult Covid Patients Launched In India
As per the company, when this nasal spray is applied over the mucous covering of the nose, it acts as a barrier against the virus.
“FabiSpray is designed to kill the COVID-19 virus in the upper airways. It has proven anti-microbial properties with a direct virucidal effect on SARS-CoV-2. NONS when sprayed over nasal mucosa acts as a physical and chemical barrier against the virus, preventing it from incubating and spreading to the lungs,” the statement reads.
Robert Crockart who’s the Chief Commercial Officer of Glenmark stated that the nasal spray will be safe and effective antiviral treatment for COVID-19 patients. This is what he added, “we are confident it will offer patients a much needed and timely therapy option.”
“As a leading pharmaceutical player, it is important that we are an integral part of India’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We are happy to receive regulatory approval for Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (FabiSpray) and launch it in partnership with SaNOtize,” he further said.
Dr. Monika Tandon, who’s the Senior VP and Head of Clinical Development in Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. was asked regarding the clinical trials of the nasal spray. And this is what she replied, “The results from this Phase 3, double blind, placebo controlled trial are encouraging. Demonstration of reduction in the viral load has significant positive impact from a patient and community perspective. In the current scenario, with new emerging variants exhibiting high transmissibility, NONS provides a useful option in India’s fight against COVID-19.”
“As per studies conducted in the Utah State University USA, NONS is proven to kill 99.9 per cent of SARS-Cov-2 virus including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon variant within 2 minutes.” she added.
One of the Principal Investigators named Dr Srikanth Krishnamurthy stated, “I have had a chance to view the results of the study. Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray lowers the viral load and hastens RT-PCR negativity when used early in COVID 19 infection leading to recovery. Most importantly, viral load reduction with NONS has the potential to reduce the chain of transmission. Last but not the least, NONS being topical is safe and makes this therapeutic option very attractive”. he said.
Also Read: Next Covid Variant Likely to Be More Infectious: WHO