Virologists at Erasmus MC have developed an antiviral nasal spray in Rotterdam that blocks the transmission of the coronavirus. The agent gave 24 hours protection in ferrets in the study. That is hopeful, because what works in ferrets, according to the researchers usually also works in humans. “You could travel safely on a full plane with this.”
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Essential to the breakthrough is a lipopeptide: a small antiviral protein with a ‘cholesterol tail’. It stops virus particles in the nose. As a result, the corona virus does not get the chance to multiply. The drug has now been physically tested on ferrets, which, like mink, are very sensitive to the virus.
Watch the report about the nasal spray below. The text continues below the video:
Six ferrets were given the virus-inhibiting nasal spray, while six other ferrets were given a placebo. They were mated with ferrets infected with corona. In the following days, the treated ferrets did not become infected, while all animals that had received the placebo did become infected. Research on humans is now being started.
To a concert
The nasal spray may mean that there is an alternative to the vaccines or variants where the vaccine does not work. You could go to a concert or restaurant after using the spray. Making a flight is also possible. You can be completely protected with it. You are also protected at home if a housemate is infected with Covid-19.
The drug is tested here on genetic material from monkeys. The text continues below the photo:
“As long as we are not sure whether vaccines will rid the world of the virus, we must also focus on other means,” says virologist Rory de Vries. De Schiedammer cooperated in the investigation and is proud of the outcome. “We believe this antiviral drug could help control the pandemic.”
Research with American scientists
Since the start of the pandemic, scientists have focused on using existing drugs against Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Research into the nasal spray was carried out by scientists from Erasmus MC, in collaboration with Columbia University and Cornell University in New York, USA. It will take another six months to a year for the drug to go into production.
Under the microscope, it is examined to what extent Covid has grown:
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