A groundbreaking clinical trial conducted by Saarland University Medical Center has revealed that an azelastine nasal spray can significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. The study, led by Professor Robert Bals, found that the nasal spray reduced the incidence of COVID-19 by two-thirds among participants. The trial involved 450 individuals divided into two groups, with one group using the azelastine spray and the other a placebo.
During the 56-day trial period, only 2.2% of the participants using the azelastine spray contracted COVID-19, compared to 6.7% in the placebo group. This striking difference was confirmed through PCR testing. Additionally, the azelastine group experienced fewer symptomatic infections and a lower overall number of respiratory infections.
Unexpected Benefits and Historical Context
The trial also uncovered an unexpected benefit: a reduced incidence of rhinovirus infections, another common cause of respiratory illness. In the treatment group, only 1.8% developed a rhinovirus infection, compared to 6.3% in the placebo group. This aligns with prior in vitro studies suggesting azelastine’s antiviral properties against various respiratory viruses.
Azelastine nasal spray has been available over-the-counter for decades as a treatment for hay fever. This study marks the first time its protective effects against respiratory viruses have been demonstrated in a real-world setting. Professor Bals highlighted the potential of azelastine as a supplementary prophylactic measure, particularly for vulnerable populations during high infection periods or before travel.
Expert Opinions and Future Research
Professor Bals emphasized the need for further research, stating,
‘Our results highlight the need for larger, multicentre trials to continue exploring the use of azelastine nasal sprays as an on-demand preventive treatment, and to examine its potential effectiveness against other respiratory pathogens.’
This call for more extensive studies underscores the potential of azelastine as a versatile tool in the fight against respiratory illnesses.
The trial, named ‘CONTAIN,’ was a collaborative effort involving the Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, the Institute of Virology, and the Saarbrücken-based pharmaceutical company URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH, which sponsored the study. The Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland also contributed through research groups led by Professors Smola and Bals. This collaboration exemplifies the synergy between academic research, industry, and public health initiatives.
Implications and Next Steps
The findings of this study could have significant implications for public health strategies, particularly in managing COVID-19 and other respiratory virus outbreaks. The potential for azelastine to serve as an accessible, over-the-counter preventive measure could ease the burden on healthcare systems and provide additional protection for high-risk groups.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to initiate larger, multicentre trials to validate these findings and explore azelastine’s efficacy against a broader range of respiratory pathogens. Such studies will be crucial in determining the full scope of azelastine’s protective capabilities and its role in future public health strategies.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, innovations like the azelastine nasal spray offer hope for more effective prevention and management strategies. The results of this trial pave the way for further exploration and potential breakthroughs in respiratory virus prophylaxis.
