Astodrimer sodium nasal spray forms a barrier to SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and preserves normal mucociliary function in human nasal epithelium.

COVID-19 remains a severe condition for many including immunocompromised individuals. There remains a need for effective measures against this and other respiratory infections, which transmit via virus-laden droplets that reach the nasal or oral mucosae. Nasal sprays offer potential protection against viruses.

Astodrimer sodium antiviral nasal spray for reducing respiratory infections is safe and well tolerated in a randomized controlled trial.

Astodrimer sodium is a dendrimer molecule with antiviral and virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in vitro, and has previously been shown to be safe and well tolerated, and not systemically absorbed, when applied to the vaginal mucosa. To investigate its potential utility as a topical antiviral, astodrimer sodium has been reformulated for application to the nasal mucosa to help reduce viral load before or after exposure to respiratory infection. The current investigation assessed the safety, tolerability and absorption of astodrimer sodium 1% antiviral nasal spray.