Glenmark launches nitric oxide nasal spray for treatment of COVID-19 patients in India

In a major development in the COVID-19 medicine field, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday launched its Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray under the brand name FabiSpray in India.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited (Glenmark) and Canadian pharmaceutical company SaNOtize Research & Development Corp. launched the Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray for treatment of adult patients suffering from COVID-19.

The company received manufacturing-marketing approval from India’s drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray as part of accelerated approval process.

"Phase 3 trial in India met the key endpoints and demonstrated reduction of viral load of 94 per cent in 24 hours and 99 per cent in 48 hours. Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) was safe and well-tolerated in COVID-19 patients. Glenmark to market NONS under the brand name FabiSpray," reads the official statement.

The company claims that when the Nitric Oxide Nasal is sprayed over nasal mucosa it acts as a physical and chemical barrier against the virus.

"FabiSpray is designed to kill the COVID-19 virus in the upper airways. It has proven anti-microbial properties with a direct virucidal effect on SARS-CoV-2. NONS when sprayed over nasal mucosa acts as a physical and chemical barrier against the virus, preventing it from incubating and spreading to the lungs," the statement reads.

Terming the spray an effective and safe antiviral treatment for COVID-19, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd's Chief Commercial Officer Robert Crockart said "we are confident it will offer patients a much needed and timely therapy option."

"As a leading pharmaceutical player, it is important that we are an integral part of India's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We are happy to receive regulatory approval for Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (FabiSpray) and launch it in partnership with SaNOtize," he said.

Glenmark had in early July 2021, the company presented a proposal to the subject expert committee of CDSCO for emergency approval for import and marketing of the nasal spray.

Meanwhile, under the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive, 170.87 (1,70,87,06,705) crore vaccine doses have been administered so far.

India reported 71,365 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday.

(With inputs from ANI)

Published on: Wednesday, February 09, 2022, 10:08 AM IST