Money9 Exclusive | Company behind nasal spray to fight Covid-19 gives update about India plans

Although the vaccination drive is underway in India, coronavirus cases have also witnessed a steady rise in the past couple of weeks. Amidst this, a nasal spray developed by a Canadian company SaNOtize which attacks the virus, has delivered promising results in the second phase of clinical trials conducted in the United Kingdom. It has completed a phase-II safety and efficacy study in Canada and received an IND to allow a clinical trial in the US.  In an interview with Money9, Chris Miller, co-founder and Chief Science Officer, SaNOtize, shares updates about the product, its probable tie-ups with Indian companies and how the spray can play a vital role in the fight against Covid-19.

Edited excerpts:

Q: Can you elucidate about how the effect of the virus is negated by the spray?

Miller: One of the active ingredients in NONS is nitric oxide. It is a well known and characterised antiviral molecule and is naturally found in our body in the innate immune system. It is a post-exposure prevention, just like a hand sanitizer. We believe that if you are exposed today or were exposed yesterday and are using the NONS spray today, you will prevent the disease. The spray will kill the viruses in the nose, where  the virus multiples prior to creating a full blown infection. If you can reduce the viral load (shown in our UK study against the UK variant as well), at this point, you will prevent the disease.

Q: Has SaNOtize made submissions for emergency use in UK and Canada?

Miller: We are preparing submissions under their suggestions from the meetings we have had.

Q: What was the demography in the earlier clinical trials?

Miller: Adults but mostly those in the age-group of 50-70 years

Q: Which countries are you in talks with for approvals? Have you started supplies to any countries?

Miller: We have received approvals in Israel and Bahrain and talks are underway with many other countries.

Q: Can you tell us about the pricing strategy of the spray? 

Miller: We are working diligently with all stakeholders to ensure equitable access to all citizens.

Q: India is a big market and COVID-19 cases have witnessed an unprecedented surge. Do you have any specific plans for the Indian market? 

Miller: We will need to partner with a reputed Indian pharmaceutical company. We are in talks with a number of potential partners.

Q7: What is the criteria or requirements you are looking in an Indian company? 

Miller: It should be a reputed company with distribution channels for equitable access to all, especially those that do not have access to vaccines.

Q8: What is the current production capacity and expansion plans?

Miller: We have a full production line and four more in order. We are looking for a good partner in India to help us with expansion.