OTC Nasal Spray Cuts COVID Infections by 67% in Trial
▼ Summary
– A Phase 2 trial found that an over-the-counter allergy nasal spray containing azelastine reduced COVID-19 infections by 67% compared to a placebo.
– The randomized, double-blind study involved 450 healthy adults, with half using the antihistamine spray three times daily and the other half a placebo.
– Participants using the spray not only had fewer infections but also took longer to contract COVID-19 and cleared the virus faster when infected.
– The spray also reduced overall respiratory infections, particularly rhinovirus, suggesting a broad antiviral effect beyond just COVID-19.
– Researchers propose the spray may work through a general antiviral mechanism in the nasal mucus membrane, though the exact process remains unclear.
A simple over-the-counter nasal spray used for allergies has shown remarkable potential in reducing COVID-19 infections, according to new research. A recent clinical trial found that regular use of this widely available spray could significantly lower the risk of contracting the virus, offering a promising additional layer of protection alongside vaccines and other preventive measures.
In a randomized, double-blind, Phase 2 trial conducted by researchers in Germany, 450 healthy adults participated between March 2023 and July 2024. Approximately half of the participants used a nasal spray containing azelastine, a common antihistamine available without a prescription, three times daily. The other half received a placebo spray identical in appearance but lacking the active ingredient. Both groups had similar backgrounds regarding prior vaccination and COVID-19 infection history.
After 56 days of consistent use, only five individuals in the azelastine group, just 2.2 percent, contracted COVID-19, compared to 15 people in the placebo group, representing 6.7 percent. This difference translates to a 67 percent reduction in infections, a striking result even with the modest sample size. Those who did become infected while using the active spray took longer to test positive, 31 days on average versus 19.5 days in the placebo group, suggesting the spray may delay viral establishment. Additionally, infected participants using azelastine cleared the virus more quickly, testing positive for only 3.4 days compared to 5.1 days in the control group.
Beyond its impact on COVID-19, the spray also appeared to reduce overall respiratory infections. Participants using azelastine experienced 21 respiratory infections in total, while the placebo group had 49, with a notable drop in rhinovirus cases, the primary cause of the common cold. These results align with earlier studies indicating that azelastine possesses broad antiviral properties, potentially acting through a general mechanism that protects nasal mucous membranes. While the exact biological process remains unclear, the findings open the door to further investigation into how this accessible treatment could help defend against multiple respiratory viruses.
(Source: Ars Technica)
