VANCOUVER – A BC biotechnology company says it has developed an effective treatment for anyone who has contracted COVID-19 and is now seeking federal approval for the emergency use of the product.
After months of clinical testing, Vancouver’s SaNOtize said its nasal spray reduced COVID-19 levels by 95 percent in 24 hours and more than 99 percent in less than three days.
“When you use the nasal spray, it really kills the virus in your nose and reduces your viral load,” said Dr. Gilly Regev, who founded SaNOtize with Dr. Chris Miller.
During the test, COVID-19 patients in Canada and the United Kingdom self-administered the nasal spray. When treated quickly enough, the virus was killed before it could spread to the lungs, according to the startup. Miller said using the spray could mean milder symptoms and potentially faster recovery for anyone with COVID-19.
“You are exposed, your test is positive and you take it. Within a day, or two days, or at most four days, you are back on the street, ”he told CTV News.
The nasal spray contains nitric oxide, which is known to act as a disinfectant and is produced naturally in humans. No one reported any side effects during the nasal spray test phase.
The developers say it can be used worldwide, as an additional layer of protection against COVID-19.
“It will be another tool in your toolbox. As well as your hand sanitizer and mask, you will have your nasal spray. The idea is that it is not in place of the vaccine, it is to enhance the vaccine ”, explains Regev.
Tests also found that the spray works against variant B.1.1.7 COVID-19 that originated in the United Kingdom
“We believe that this will also be effective against all other variants,” added Miller.
SaNOtize is now seeking federal approval for the emergency use of nasal spray in the UK and Canada. Ideally, they want their product to be available over-the-counter. Each bottle contains two-month doses and would cost approximately $ 50.
The biotechnology company also plans to run another set of clinical tests in the coming weeks, to prove that the spray not only kills COVID-19 in the body, but can also prevent people from getting the virus.