New nasal spray to treat respiratory infections is being tested

A series of studies is being conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Boston, Massachusetts (USA) to develop a drug-free broad-spectrum nasal spray for the treatment of respiratory infections caused by various pathogens, including viruses associated with the common cold, seasonal influenza, and COVID-19, as well as bacteria that cause pneumonia. The spray – designated PCANS (Pathogen Capture and Neutralising Spray) – is formulated to form a gelatinous matrix that traps respiratory droplets, immobilises pathogens, and neutralises them, thereby preventing infection. This is according to Nitin Joshi, senior co-author and Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The research team has conducted comprehensive laboratory experiments but has not yet conducted a direct study of PCANS in humans. The pre-clinical studies’ findings, including a three-dimensional printed model of the human nose, have been published in the scientific journal Advanced Materials.