As the research on new treatment options forCOVID-19 continues, the reports on the advancement and administration of vaccination have shown a decline in the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases. As more and more people began understanding the importance of vaccines and took the jab, the need for hospitalization among infected patients decreased to a great extent. The death rates come down. Things have finally begun to look up.  

However, this wasn’t the end of it. Many studies have already proved that the virus is evolving. What it might mean is not clear yet. But chances are that the variants will continue to become more and more contagious. That is why immunization is of more importance than ever before. The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is the concern at present and people who are fully vaccinated are likely to have enhanced protection. People with comorbidities, weaker immunity are vulnerable but taking proper caution can keep them safe. The emergence of new treatment options like covid nasal spray has given a lot of hope to everyone.

The main ingredient in the nasal spray for COVID is nitric oxide. Large scale research Use of NONS(Nitric oxide nasal spray) in patients recently infected with SARS-CoV-2 accelerates nasal virus clearance.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

What is FabiSpray? Everything You Should Know About It.

It is important to note that India has played a crucial role in COVID-19 vaccine research and treatment. India is regarded as a major contributor to the global vaccine supply and is known as the vaccine manufacturing hub of the world. The country has immense capacity to manufacture COVID-19 vaccine doses annually. These are low-cost COVID-19 vaccines and are made available for countries that cannot afford expensive vaccines. Covaxin is India’s first indigenous COVID-19 inactivated vaccine developed and manufactured by Bharat Biotech and Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) is the Indian version of the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca.

Recently, Glenmark, a renowned Mumbai based pharmaceutical company, has launched a nasal spray. This is the latest discovery and it contains Nitric Oxide. The spray has been named FabiSpray and it has been launched in India, in partnership with a Canadian pharmaceutical, SaNOtize. 

After the Phase 3 trials, reduction of viral load, up to 99 per cent in 48 hours have been shared in some reports. The company received a green signal from India’s drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray to be successfully manufactured and marketed.  

The nasal spray is meant for topical use only. It is a manual pump spray, convenient to use, ideally, it must be sprayed, over nasal mucosa a maximum of 3 times per day. It acts as a barrier against the virus, both physically and chemically. This should be taken on the doctor’s advice along with the complete prescribed treatment.

FabiSpray claims to be an effective aid for adult patients suffering from COVID-19. It can control the multiplication of the COVID-19 virus in the upper respiratory tract itself. The nasal spray may stop the progression of the infection in Covid-19 patients. However, people should refrain from self-medication of this spray as proper diagnosis and treatment of the illness by a doctor is important and mandatory.  

As a leading pharmaceutical company in India, Glenmark has stepped up and this nasal spray will likely be accepted by people. The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues and we must be willing to seek appropriate treatment. The company considers the nasal spray an effective and safe antiviral treatment for COVID-19. In a statement issued by the company, it has been said that the nasal spray was a much-needed therapy option and is relevant in the current scenario as it works against the new emerging variants and can put a check on the chain of transmissibility.    

NONS is a timely therapeutic option. According to studies, it is estimated to kill up to 99.9 per cent of SARS-Cov-2 virus including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon variants in a short span. 

The difficulties encountered in conventional routes of covid vaccine administration can be dealt with by nasal vaccines as they are needle-free and can be self-administered, and they present less logistical burden as they do not need refrigeration.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Conclusion

You must remember that vaccination remains the best option to prevent an infection. With the launch of FabiSpray nasal spray you can definitely stop a severe infection or check the further progress of the virus but note that you must continue to stay protected, follow necessary Covid guidelines, wear a mask, maintain distancing, sanitize frequently and get vaccinated at the earliest. If you are eligible for the booster dose, you must opt for it. Once the nasal spray is available in markets, you can purchase it by showing a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.