Nasal Spray Offers Hope in the Fight Against COVID-19
Introduction
In a recent Phase 2 trial, an over-the-counter nasal spray appeared to have a 67% success rate in reducing COVID infections. This news comes at a time when many individuals are struggling to gain access to the limited supply of vaccines. The results of this trial, while not definitive, are promising and give hope for a potential alternative in the fight against the pandemic.
Key Details
The nasal spray, developed by Sanofi and GSK, was tested on a group of 200 individuals. Half of the participants were given the spray, while the other half received a placebo. Of those who received the spray, only 6% became infected with COVID, compared to 18% of those who received the placebo. The spray works by targeting the nasal cavity, which is a common entry point for the virus. This prevents the virus from taking hold and replicating, potentially reducing the severity and duration of the infection.
Impact
While this trial is not enough to prove the effectiveness of the nasal spray, it offers a glimmer of hope for those who are unable to receive a vaccine. If the spray proves to be successful in future trials, it could provide an additional line of defense in the battle against COVID. It could also potentially ease the strain on healthcare systems and reduce the number of severe cases. As more research is conducted
About the Organizations Mentioned
Sanofi
Sanofi is a leading global biopharmaceutical company that is **R&D-driven and AI-powered**, focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines and vaccines to improve people's lives worldwide[1][8]. With a workforce exceeding 100,000 employees across more than 100 countries, Sanofi leverages cutting-edge science and artificial intelligence to address critical healthcare challenges and create sustainable growth[8]. Founded on a heritage of transforming the impossible into the possible, Sanofi's mission centers on chasing scientific breakthroughs and advancing health outcomes in five primary therapeutic areas. The company currently has 82 compounds in clinical development and 24 phase 3 clinical trials, demonstrating a robust and diverse pipeline that spans rare diseases, immunology, neurology, oncology, and vaccines[1][7]. Key achievements include multiple regulatory designations such as orphan and fast track status for novel therapies, and strategic acquisitions to strengthen its pipeline, including Blueprint Medicines (rare diseases/immunology), Dren Bio, Vigil (Alzheimer’s), Vicebio (respiratory vaccines), and others in 2025[3][7]. These moves support Sanofi’s strategy to diversify its portfolio and mitigate risks from patent expirations, such as the anticipated 2031 expiration of Dupixent’s U.S. patent, one of its growth engines[7]. Sanofi is also committed to sustainability and social impact, ranked as the world’s tenth most sustainable company and the top pharmaceutical firm by TIME magazine in 2025[3]. The company announced a major investment plan to spend at least $20 billion in the United States through 2030, emphasizing research, development, and manufacturing expansion to boost innovation, supply chain resilience, and job creation domestically[5]. Under CEO Paul Hudson’s leadership, Sanofi pursues a “play-to-win” strategy, harnessing AI and digital technologies to reshape biopharma manufacturing and accelerate progress against untreated rare diseases[1][6]
GSK
## Overview GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a leading British multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Brentford, United Kingdom, renowned for its pioneering work in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and consumer healthcare[6]. With a workforce of around 70,000 people and a global footprint, GSK focuses on developing innovative medicines and vaccines to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, including infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and emerging global health threats[2][3]. ## History GSK’s roots trace back to the founding of Plough Court Pharmacy in London in 1715, one of the earliest origins of modern pharmacy in the UK[1][2]. Over the centuries, a series of mergers and acquisitions shaped the company’s evolution: Smith, Kline & Company was established in Philadelphia in 1830; Beecham’s Pills became a household name in the 19th century; and Burroughs Wellcome & Company was founded in 1880, emphasizing research-driven drug development[1][3]. The modern GSK was formed in 2000 through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, creating one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world[1][6]. ## Key Achievements GSK has a storied history of innovation, having developed 15 pioneering vaccines and medicines, including treatments for respiratory diseases, HIV, and vaccines for hepatitis, whooping cough, and more[2][3]. The company introduced the world’s first selective short-acting beta agonist in 1969, advancing respiratory care, and has since maintained a leading position in respiratory medicine[2]. GSK’s joint venture with Pfizer, ViiV Healthcare, specializes in HIV research and has brought groundbreaking therapies to market[6]. The company’s acquisition of Stiefel Laboratories in 2009 strengthened its dermatology portfolio, while the 2019 consumer healthcare joint venture with Pfizer
