Nasal spray that ‘reduces viral load’ may be sold in UK

A NASAL spray that halves the time a person tests positive for coronavirus after being infected, could soon be available in Britain.

Trials involving more than 300 patients found that the nitric oxide spray reduces viral load by 94 per cent within the first 24 hours after treatment, and more than 99 per cent after two days.

On average patients using the Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) tested negative by PCR on day four compared to day eight for those on the placebo arm.

The spray works by sending the antimicrobial molecule nitric oxide into the upper airways where it can kill the virus directly. It is the same molecule used as a gas to treat persistent pulmonary hypertension, or “blue baby syndrome”, in newborns.

It could be useful in helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus if selfisolation is scrapped at the end of February, and manufacturer SaNOtize is in discussions with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to bring it to Britain.

The company believes that not only could it cut down infection but may also prevent cases of long Covid, which have been linked to higher viral loads. If approved, it would be the only first-line defence product available in Britain.

“The spray destroys the virus, blocks entry into the nasal cavity and halts replication of the virus, which reduces viral load,” said Dr Chris Miller, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of SaNOtize.

“This is important because viral load has been linked to infectivity, poor health outcomes and complications from long Covid.”

It is likely to cost around £15 to £20 in Britain.