Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has required a variety of non-medical interventions to limit the transmission of the causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). One such option is over-the-counter nasal sprays that aim to block virus entry and transmission within the nasal cavity. In this study, we assessed the ability of three hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based powder nasal sprays, produced by Nasaleze, to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection and release in vitro. Upon application, the HPMC powder forms a gel-like matrix within the nasal cavity—a process we recapitulated in cell culture. We found that virus release from cells previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 was inhibited by the gel matrix product in a dose-dependent manner, with virus levels reduced by >99.99% over a 72 h period at a dose of 6.4 mg/3.5 cm2. We also show that the pre-treatment of cells with product inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection, independent of the virus variant. The primary mechanism of action appears to be via the formation of a physical, passive barrier. However, the addition of wild garlic provided additional direct antiviral properties in some formulations. We conclude that HPMC-based nasal sprays may offer an additional component to strategies to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Highlights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a large, enveloped virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family and is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic that has, to date, infected over 194 million people and caused more than 4 million deaths worldwide
To determine if hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) could inhibit the release of virus from cells previously infected Manner with SARS-CoV-2 weifblind-tested three different spray formulations from
Having demonstrated that all three HPMC-containing products could effectively inhibit the release of virus from previously infected cells with a dose of 6.4 mg/3.5 cm2, we investigated whether the nasal sprays could inhibit de novo infection with
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a large, enveloped virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family and is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic that has, to date, infected over 194 million people and caused more than 4 million deaths worldwide Current evidence suggests that airborne and droplet particle transmission via direct contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth is a likely form of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 [5,6,7]. While a number of products incorporate small drug molecules or reactive species—for example, reactive oxygen and nitric oxide [8]—that actively target the virus, many rely on the creation of a physical barrier capable of blocking virus uptake. These passive barriers are generated via semi-synthetic or natural gelling agents such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) [9] or carrageenan [10]. We show that the virus infection and release from cells was independent of virus variant and inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, with the optimum dose of 6.4 mg/3.5 cm inhibiting virus release over a 72 h period
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
