Dr Richard Moakes from the University of Birmingham commented, “NoriZite™Nasal Spray has a multi-factorial approach to preventing infection. Not only does it maximise the use of carrageenan, which literature shows us to have anti-viral effects, but its viscous formulation means that it can trap the virus as it cannot diffuse through it – as we have demonstrated in our lab studies.”

Michael Hsu, Managing Director at Birmingham Biotech, commented, “We have seen huge success with NoriZite™ in other parts of the world since launching earlier this year. The long-lasting gel-like barrier is designed to trap airborne virus particles before they have the chance to cause infection. Our carefully balanced combination of powerful ingredients offers an additional layer of protection to support people as they live their new normal.”

ENDS 

Figure 1: Fluorescence micrographs of the cells following incubation with viral suspension. In cells treated with a layer of NoriZite™ Nasal Spray, no infection was observed for any variant of SARS-CoV-2. Birmingham Biotech is an innovator in diagnostic tests and protective nasal and throat sprays for medical conditions with an urgent, unmet need. In partnership with the University of Birmingham, Birmingham Biotech is committed to ensuring that patients in developing countries have access to the latest high-quality, affordable healthcare delivered through its rapid global supply chain. Birmingham Biotech is trusted by governments and healthcare providers around the world as a one-stop-shop for tests, equipment and consumables approved and recognised by international regulators. Figure 1: Fluorescence micrographs of the cells following incubation with viral suspension. In cells treated with a layer of NoriZite Nasal Spray, no infection was observed for any variant of SARS-CoV-2. NoriZite™ has a carefully balanced viscosity that means it covers up to six times more surface area than many other standard sprays on the market, whilst also being retained in the nose for up to six hours after each application.”

Laboratory studies have shown that the NoriZite™ formulation can prevent infection of cells (in culture) with SARS-CoV-2. The research confirmed the complete inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection for up to 48 hours in cells exposed to the carrageenan/gellan blend. 1The data is currently held on file by Birmingham Biotech LTD, and the University of Birmingham researchers plan to submit a fuller set of data for publication in the next few months. In new emerging research, the University of Birmingham researchers have further demonstrated the ability of NoriZite™ to create a physical barrier against other variants. Using an experimental cell culture set-up, the researchers created an environment where the spray formed a physical barrier between the cells and virus. They then observed over 48 hours to see if any of the virus could penetrate the barrier and cause infection. The research was conducted by the Stamataki research group at the university’s Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy. NoriZite has a carefully balanced viscosity that means it covers up to six times more surface area than many other standard sprays on the market, whilst also being retained in the nose for up to six hours after each application.”