Spice-based formula can target the virus in 60 mins, claims IIT-B ›

As an anti-viral, Picovrid directly inactivates the virus and is useful in early cases. As an anti-inflammatory, our formulation is useful for those progressing towards severe disease. DR RINTI BANERJEE, Madhuri Sinha chair professor, IIT-B

MUMBAI: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technologybombay (IIT-B) have developed a spice-based formulation that rendered the Sars-cov-2 virus inactive within an hour, in laboratory tests.

Dr Rinti Banerjee’s group at IIT-B’S department of biosciences and bioengineering validated the efficacy of a formulation called Picovrid, which has been tested on Covid-positive swab samples. “The active ingredients in our formulation have a direct action in disrupting lipid and protein layers, degrading the outer lipid envelope of Sars-cov-2, thus inactivating the virus,” said Banerjee.

Picovrid employs a multipronged strategy against Sarscov-2.

“As an anti-viral, Picovrid directly inactivates the virus and is therefore useful for early Covid-19 cases. As a prophylactic, it can be of use for those at risk of being exposed. As an anti-inflammatory, our formulation is useful for those progressing towards severe disease because it reduces IL6 levels and the cytokine storm associated with complications of Covid-19,” said Banerjee.

Picovrid as a nutraceutical comprises constituents approved and within limits laid down by the Food Safety Standards and Authority of India (FSSAI). As a phytopharmaceutical, Picovrid-p contains approved Ayurvedic

spices and natural emulsifiers at much lower doses than those found in conventional Ayurvedic formulations.

The team has filed a patent application for the two technologies. Clinical trials may be conducted post-licensing, over the next two months. Government Medical College in Nagpur is one location for a clinical trial that has been registered with Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI).

“It [the formulation] holds promise. But let’s get a feel of what it looks like in the clinical trial phase. However, I think it will do very well there,” said Dr Om Srivastava, infectious disease specialist and a member of the state’s Covid-19 taskforce, who was not involved in developing the technology.

Banerjee said the technology would also be affordable with a 14-day course expected to cost around ₹300.