Glenmark Launches India's First Nasal Spray to treat Covid-19

Global pharma company Glenmark has launched 'FabiSpray', India’s first nasal spray for the treatment of Covid-19 in adults.

FabiSpray, which is a nitric oxide based nasal spray has been manufactured in partnership with SaNOtize.

As a part of the accelerated approval process, Glenmark was given the approval to manufacture and market the nasal spray by the Drugs Controller General of India.

The official statement read, “Phase 3 trial in India met the key endpoints and demonstrated reduction of viral load of 94 per cent in 24 hours and 99 per cent in 48 hours. Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) was safe and well-tolerated in Covid-19 patients. Glenmark to market NONS under the brand name FabiSpray”.

When used, the nasal spray acts as a physical and chemical barrier against the virus, the company claimed.

"FabiSpray is designed to kill the Covid-19 virus in the upper airways. It has proven anti-microbial properties with a direct virucidal effect on SARS-CoV-2. NONS when sprayed over nasal mucosa acts as a physical and chemical barrier against the virus, preventing it from incubating and spreading to the lungs," its statement read.

The Chief Commercial Officer of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Robert Crockart said that the spray was an effective and safe antiviral treatment for Covid-19.

“We are confident it will offer patients a much needed and timely therapy option”, Crockart said.

“As a leading pharmaceutical player, it is important that we are an integral part of India's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. We are happy to receive regulatory approval for the nitric oxide based nasal spray and launch it in partnership with SaNOtize," he further said.

Senior vice president and head of clinical development in Glenmark, Dr. Monika Tandon said, “The results from this phase 3, double blind, placebo controlled trial are encouraging. Demonstration of reduction in the viral load has significant positive impact from a patient and community perspective. With new emerging variants exhibiting high transmissibility, NONS provides a useful option in India's fight against COVID-19”.

"As per studies conducted in the Utah State University USA, NONS is proven to kill 99.9 per cent of SARS-Cov-2 virus including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon variant within 2 minutes," she added.

Meanwhile, a principal investigator of the study, Dr. Srikanth Krishnamurthy said, “I have had a chance to view the results of the study. Nitric oxide nasal spray lowers the viral load and hastens RT-PCR negativity when used early in Covid-19 infection leading to recovery."

"Most importantly, viral load reduction with NONS has the potential to reduce the chain of transmission. Last but not the least, it being topical is safe and makes this therapeutic option very attractive," said Krishnamurthy.