Israel and New Zealand approve anti-Covid-19 nasal spray

Both countries granted approval for the sale of Canadian biotech company SaNOtize’s nasal spray, which has proven effective at preventing spread of virus

Reuters 10:1023.03.21
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Israel and New Zealand on Monday approved the sale of an anti-Covid-19 nasal spray, manufactured by the Canadian biotech company SaNOtize Research and Development. Its Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) could help prevent transmission of the coronavirus (Covid-19) the company said on Monday.

 

The company has begun manufacturing NONS, under the brand name Enovid, after partnering with Nextar Chempharma Solutions Ltd., and it is expected to be sold at pharmacies later this summer.

 

SaNOtize's nasal spray was recently approved for sale in New Zealand and Israel (illustrative). Photo: Shutterstock SaNOtize's nasal spray was recently approved for sale in New Zealand and Israel (illustrative). Photo: Shutterstock

 

In New Zealand, SaNOtize registered its nasal spray with the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, which permits the company to distribute and sell NONS over the counter immediately.

 

The spray has proven effective at protecting users from viruses that enter the body through the upper nasal pathways. The treatment contains nitric oxide, which is naturally produced by the body and contains strong anti-microbial properties that have an effect on the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Covid-19).

 

Last week, SaNOtize and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey, UK announced results of its clinical trials proving that the spray was an effective antiviral treatment that could prevent the transmission of Covid-19, shorten its duration, and reduce the severity of its symptoms in already-infected individuals.

 

Chris Miller, SaNOtize's chief science officer, said its formulation of Nitric Oxide for use in humans is designed to "kill viruses in the upper airways, preventing them from incubating and spreading to the lungs."