OTC nasal spray seemed to cut COVID infections by 67% in mid-sized trial

A mid-sized clinical trial has shown that an over-the-counter nasal spray may have the potential to reduce COVID-19 infections by up to 67%. The Phase 2 trial, although not conclusive, is significant as it comes at a time when vaccine access is severely limited in many parts of the world. The study involved 576 participants, with half receiving the nasal spray and the other half receiving a placebo. The results indicated that the nasal spray was effective in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection compared to the placebo group. However, the study was not designed to assess the spray's impact on disease severity or hospitalization rates. While the findings are promising, the researchers caution that further large-scale trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of the nasal spray. The development of alternative preventive measures could be particularly beneficial in regions where vaccine availability remains a challenge.