The study on Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS), conducted by Mumbai-based Glenmark revealed that the nasal spray reduced the viral load within 24 hours, with a sustainable effect during the seven days of treatment. The result of the phase 3 trial of the drug was published in the journal ‘The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia’.

The study conducted during the Delta and Omicron surges evaluated a seven-day treatment of NONS plus standard of care versus placebo nasal spray and the standard of care in patients with symptomatic COVID-19. The research showed that the nasal spray reduced the viral load in high-risk adult COVID-19 patients by 94% within 24 hours and by 99% within 48 hours. Similar results were observed in the vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. Mrs. Monika Tandon, Senior VP, and Head Clinical Development, Glenmark stated that the double-blind trial demonstrated a significant efficacy and safety profile of NONS. She added that the therapy with its easy-to-use method has the potential to make a vital contribution to COVID-19 management in the current pandemic. 

Nitric Oxide prevents the entry of viruses into the nasal passage, and stops its replication, thereby, reducing the viral load significantly. In February, NONS was launched in India under the brand name FabiSpray after it received manufacturing and marketing approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) as a part of the accelerated approval process. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/nasal-spray-lowers-covid-viral-load-by-94-per-cent-in-24-hours-lancet-study/92887313 )