Drug Target Review: Could a nasal spray prevent COVID-19?
A UC study shows that a lipid might prevent infection and could potentially be easily administered
According to a study led by UC researchers, the lipid sphingosine may have the ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection and could potentially be delivered in a nasal spray to prevent COVID-19 infections.
Researchers, led by a visiting professor in the UC Department of Surgery Erich Gulbins, MD, have examined pre-existing research into bacterial respiratory tract infections and applied the findings to COVID-19, with some success. According to the scientists, a sphingosine nasal spray could potentially prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infections.
“We investigated whether a specific lipid [sphingosine] is able to interfere with the binding of SARS-CoV-2 to human epithelial cells,” said Gulbins, corresponding author on the study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Featured photo of the lipid sphingosine courtesy of Jynto.
Next Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's graduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
2024 Daniel Drake Medals to be awarded April 27
April 24, 2024
The UC College of Medicine will award three people with 2024 Daniel Drake Medals April 27.
Local 12: Head injury survivor, doctor share importance of...
April 23, 2024
Local 12 spoke with patient Shane Shapiro and the University of Cincinnati's Laura Ngwenya about the importance of wearing a helmet following Shapiro's traumatic brain injury and recovery.
WVXU: Why is part of Green Township called Dent?
April 23, 2024
UC College of Arts and Sciences professor tells WVXU that Ohio's glacial past might explain how Dent got its name.