// Lloyds Pharmacy to launch UK’s first ever nasal spray specifically designed to fight Covid-19
// The spray, called Viraleze, forms a barrier in the nasal and irreversibly blocks Covid-19
// Viraleze would work against a “broad spectrum” of other viruses such as the flu, SARS, and MERS
Lloyds Pharmacy is set to launch what it calls the UK’s first ever nasal spray specifically designed to fight Covid-19.
The spray, called Viraleze, claims to be made from “a specifically designed antiviral active that irreversibly inactivates greater than 99.9 per cent of coronavirus/SARS-CoV-2 within one minute”.
LloydsPharmacy said the active ingredient, astrodimer sodium, was “a potent virucidal agent that forms a barrier and irreversibly blocks coronavirus/SARS-CoV-2 ‘spike’ proteins from binding to nasal mucosal cells required for infection”.
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The spray claims to have a number of “unique advantages, including its virucidal action, its rapid onset and its ability to inactivate viruses either before or after exposure”.
The high street pharmacy retailer also said claims that the spray “provides a moisture layer to help keep nasal tissue hydrated, protecting it from dryness and damage”.
It should be used once in each nostril up to four times a day.
Lloyds Pharmacy added that the spray would work against a “broad spectrum” of other viruses such as the flu, SARS and MERS.
“As we ease out of lockdown, taking precautions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus needs to remain a key focus,” Lloyds Pharmacy superintendent pharmacist Victoria Steele said.
“The spray can be used alongside conventional PPE (masks) and in addition to customers receiving their vaccine and does not remove the need for these other protective measures”.
Each bottle contains 80 sprays.
Viraleze launches online this week, ahead of an in-store rollout from April 21, and will be priced at £15.
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