Efficacy and safety of an antiviral Iota-Carrageenan nasal spray: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study in volunteers with early symptoms of the common cold.
BACKGROUND
The common cold, the most prevalent contagious viral disease in humans still lacks a safe and effective antiviral treatment. Iota-Carrageenan is broadly active against respiratory viruses in-vitro and has an excellent safety profile. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of an Iota-Carrageenan nasal spray in patients with common cold symptoms.


METHODS
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory trial, 35 human subjects suffering from early symptoms of common cold received Iota-Carrageenan (0.12%) in a saline solution three times daily for 4 days, compared to placebo.


RESULTS
Administration of Iota-Carrageenan nasal spray reduced the symptoms of common cold (p = 0.046) and the viral load in nasal lavages (p = 0.009) in patients with early symptoms of common cold. Pro-inflammatory mediators FGF-2, Fractalkine, GRO, G-CSF, IL-8, IL-1alpha, IP-10, IL-10, and IFN-alpha2 were reduced in the Iota-Carrageenan group.


CONCLUSIONS
Iota-Carrageenan nasal spray appears to be a promising treatment for safe and effective treatment of early symptoms of common cold. Larger trials are indicated to confirm the results.
Eccles
Ron
R
Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, Austria.
Meier
Christiane
C
Jawad
Martez
M
Weinmüllner
Regina
R
Grassauer
Andreas
A
Prieschl-Grassauer
Eva
E
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002351:Carrageenan / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003139:Common Cold / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019562:Viral Load; D055815:Young Adult
D000336:Aerosols; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D002351:Carrageenan