HOUSTON(The COW News Digital) Scientists have developed an innovative nasal spray that offers safe and effective protection against multiple strains of influenza, potentially transforming strategies to combat seasonal flu outbreaks. Despite widespread vaccination programs, seasonal influenza still accounts for hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year, with new virus strains emerging that can reduce the effectiveness of previous vaccines.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have introduced ‘CR9114,’ an anti-influenza antibody formulated for intranasal administration. Unlike traditional injectable therapies, which often fail to generate sufficient antibodies in mucosal surfaces like the nose where flu viruses initially attack, this nasal spray delivers antibodies directly to the infection site.
Early-phase clinical trials involving 143 healthy volunteers demonstrated that CR9114 binds to influenza viruses in the nasal passages, neutralizing them effectively. Participants tolerated the spray well, showing no serious side effects. According to a study published in Science Translational Medicine, CR9114 was found to be safe and tolerable across different doses and schedules, laying the foundation for further studies on its efficacy in humans.
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In preclinical tests, various doses and schedules were also evaluated on macaque monkeys. Results showed that the antibodies accumulated in nasal tissues—the primary entry point for the virus—but decreased within approximately three hours. Scientists found that administering the spray twice daily provided optimal protection against both influenza A and B strains.
The antibody collected from treated volunteers’ nasal secretions was also shown to neutralize influenza A and B in lab cultures, confirming its functional effectiveness. Experts suggest that intranasal administration can rapidly deliver antibodies during early viral exposure, complementing vaccines by offering immediate, short-term protection during outbreaks.
Isabel Montgomery noted that nasal delivery produces high concentrations of antibodies exactly where viruses enter, using much smaller doses than injectable therapies. However, the antibodies clear quickly from the nasal surface, meaning this approach cannot replace vaccination but may provide temporary protection during flu seasons or outbreaks.
This development offers a promising addition to current influenza prevention strategies, providing rapid, localized immunity and potentially reducing the early spread of the virus.
