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Genetic Linkage

How snake venom and a smoking cessation drug inspired a nasal spray that blocks COVID

A simple nasal spray that stops SARS-CoV-2 in its tracks? 

 

That could block the coronavirus in the nose, before it can travel down to the lungs or be coughed onto another person, perhaps becoming a powerful partner to vaccines and therapeutics, and easy to administer, store, and ship.

 

It "could allow us to reduce transmission and be able to have a quick response to outbreaks in certain areas of the world," said Jeffrey Nau, CEO of Oyster Point Pharma, based in Princeton NJ. The company recently announced repurposing of the smoking-cessation pill Chantix™ (varenacline), as well as a second molecule in the same class, simpinicline, each as nasal sprays against COVID. The FDA approved Chantix, a Pfizer product, in 2006. Today nearly 400 clinical trials are exploring other uses.

 

To continue reading, go to Genetic Literacy Project, where this post first appeared.

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