Nasal treatment for neurological symptoms of long COVID under development
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Biotechnology startup company Camellix has announced the discovery of a green tea-derived polyphenol molecule that may be effective in treating neurological symptoms associated with long COVID, including loss of smell and brain fog.
Currently, more than 40% of American adults have had COVID-19, and up to 23.7% are currently presenting long COVID symptoms, today, the CDC states.
According to a press release from Camellix, research has indicated that the phytochemical epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) obstructs the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to host-cell receptor ACE2, preventing viral entry into cells and inhibiting RNA replication.
Camellix, which is partly owned by Augusta University, has determined that the more stable and potent EGCG-palmitate, also known as EC16, may be effective in nasal formulations to treat symptoms of COVID.
“For people who just tested positive for COVID-19, the product can be used as a nasal wash to inactivate the virus and lower the viral titer in the nasal cavity, therefore preventing viral neuro-invasion into the brain,” Stephen Hsu, PhD, Camellix founder and CEO, told Healio.
According to Hsu, for people who have already been experiencing long COVID symptoms, the product “can be used as a nasal gavage or spray to deliver EC16 into the brain for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.
“It also could be used by individuals before going to crowded places to help prevent infection,” Hsu, who is also a professor in the department of oral biology and diagnostic sciences at Augusta University, said.
The product, if effective, would not need FDA approval, as it would be available over-the-counter.
The company has received funding from NIH to support clinical studies for this new drug development, the release stated. It is also seeking additional funding from a pharmaceutical company partner.