Azelastin Nasal Spray Shows 70% Reduction in COVID-19 Infection Risk, Study Finds
[City, State] – [Date] – A new randomized, phase II clinical study suggests that a nasal spray containing the antihistamine Azelastin may substantially reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as infections from other respiratory viruses like rhinovirus. The research, conducted at a single center with 450 participants, demonstrated a roughly 70% reduction in COVID-19 infection rates in the group receiving Azelastin compared to a placebo group.
the study participants, with an average age of 33, were administered either 0.1% Azelastin nasal spray or a placebo three times daily for eight weeks.Notably, the Azelastin dosage was higher than typically prescribed for allergic rhinitis, usually administered twice a day. Most participants (average of three doses) had already received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with the most recent vaccination occurring approximately two years prior to the study’s commencement.
researchers found that the Azelastin group experienced a 2% SARS-cov-2 infection rate, versus 6.7% in the placebo group. Furthermore, infection was delayed by an average of 12 days in the Azelastin-treated group, and those who did contract the virus tested positive on rapid antigen tests (RAT) for 1.7 days less than the control group. Symptomatic infections were also less frequent in the treatment group.
Beyond COVID-19, the study revealed Azelastin’s effectiveness against other respiratory illnesses. Rhinovirus infections occurred in only 2% of the Azelastin group, compared to 6% in the placebo group. PCR testing identified respiratory infections in 9% of those treated with Azelastin, compared to 22% in the control group.
While side effects were similar in frequency between both groups, minor reactions – including a bitter taste, nasal bleeding, and fatigue – were reported more frequently enough in the Azelastin group.
Researchers noted that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and resulting antibodies offered a modest degree of protection, but the Azelastin spray demonstrated efficacy even in those with existing immunity. the findings suggest Azelastin nasal spray could potentially serve as a preventative measure against a range of respiratory viral infections.