Common Antihistamine Nasal Spray Shows Promise in Blocking COVID-19 Infection, new Study Finds
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Saarland University researchers in Germany have discovered a potential new weapon in the fight against COVID-19: azelastine, a widely available over-the-counter antihistamine nasal spray. The findings, published recently, suggest the spray may considerably reduce the risk of contracting the virus and other respiratory infections. As global health officials grapple with waning vaccine immunity and the emergence of new variants, this accessible and affordable preventative measure could offer an critically important layer of protection.
The study, a Phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, comes at a time when public health strategies are evolving and individuals are seeking proactive steps too manage their risk. With COVID-19 continuing to circulate and seasonal respiratory illnesses on the rise, the potential for a readily available nasal spray to bolster immunity is generating considerable interest. The research offers a glimmer of hope for supplementing existing preventative measures, particularly as public trust in customary responses fluctuates and access to updated vaccines remains uneven.
Azelastine Significantly Reduced COVID-19 Cases in Trial
The research team at Saarland University enrolled 450 healthy, primarily young, vaccinated adults in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving azelastine nasal spray and the other a placebo. Over 56 days, the azelastine group sprayed the medication into their noses three times daily, increasing to five times daily if they experienced symptoms or potential exposure. Throughout the trial, participants underwent regular COVID-19 testing.
Results showed a significant difference in infection rates. Only 2.2 percent of participants in the azelastine group contracted COVID-19, compared to 6.7 percent in the placebo group. Beyond COVID-19,the azelastine group also reported fewer overall respiratory infections,including colds. Specifically, 9.3 percent of the azelastine group experienced non-cold respiratory infections,versus 22 percent in the placebo group.
Limitations and Next Steps
Researchers caution that the study’s findings are preliminary and require further investigation. The relatively small sample size and the study’s location at a single German hospital limit the generalizability of the results. All participants were already vaccinated and generally healthy, meaning the effects may differ in other populations.
“While promising, these findings aren’t ready to be written into global health policy just yet,” researchers noted. Azelastine nasal sprays, such as Astepro available in the U.S., are not intended to replace COVID-19 vaccines but could serve as an additional preventative measure when used in conjunction with vaccination. Further research is planned to confirm these findings and explore the optimal dosage and application of azelastine for COVID-19 prevention.
