Birmingham Biotech has announced the launch of NoriZite carageenan/gellan gum nasal spray for the prevention of viral infections in the UK. The formulation, which is designed to physically block viruses in the nasal cavity, was developed at the University of Birmingham’s Healthcare Technologies Institute, and Birmingham Biotech acquired the rights to the nasal spray outside of India in November 2021.
NoriZite will be soon be available over the counter at retail stores and pharmacies in two sizes, Birmingham Biotech said, with a 10 ml “pocket sized” version selling for £9.99 and a 20 ml version selling for £15.99. The company is already selling NoriZite online in the UK.
According to the company, NoriZite “has been engineered to ‘plume’ rather than ‘jet’ when applied with a typical nasal spray applicator, offering up to six times more surface coverage than other nasal sprays on the market” and has been shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 for as long as 48 hours in Vero cells.
University of Birmingham Healthcare Technologies Institute researcher Liam Grover said, “The formulation has been selected for its muco-adhesive properties – the ability to stick to the layer of mucous on the cells in the nasal passages. Its carefully formulated viscosity provides high surface coverage and long-lasting retention, helping it to stay in the nose rather than dripping out.”
Birmingham Biotech Managing Director Michael Hsu commented, “We have seen huge success with NoriZite in other parts of the world since launching earlier this year. The long-lasting gel-like barrier is designed to trap airborne virus particles before they have the chance to cause infection. Our carefully balanced combination of powerful ingredients offers an additional layer of protection to support people as they live their new normal.”
Read the Birmingham Biotech press release.
