Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania (USA) are working to develop a nasal spray to protect users from coronavirus infection. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is also contributing to this project.

The revolutionary idea is based on the principle of gene therapy, introducing genetic material through the nose and throat into certain cells which in response produce strong antibodies to prevent contamination with the new coronavirus. ‘The advantage of this approach is that you don’t need to have a competent immune system to be effective,’ said Professor James Wilson, who coordinates the project for the University of Pennsylvania.

The first tests are carried out on animals

The method is currently being tested on animals and could protect against the new coronavirus for six months. This only takes one dose, according to the scientist. A true gene therapy visionary, James Wilson was contacted by the US government in February to find out if his lab could use this booming technology against COVID-19.

His team could not progress until Regeneron Pharmaceuticals developed an innovative treatment based on a cocktail of synthetic antibodies. The US Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an emergency use permit for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ anti-COVID-19 antibody therapy, an experimental treatment administered to US President Donald Trump.

The spray could work wonders

The researchers hope that the spray will force the affected nasal cells to produce Regeneron antibodies and thereby block any SARS-CoV-2 contamination in the airways. On the other hand, the side effects may be lower than in the case of vaccines that are about to be approved.

The University of Pennsylvania and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals plan to complete the tests by January before the FDA requests the green light for human testing.

source: Agerpres