A man receives the first of two doses of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic in London, on Dec 14, 2020. (AARON CHOWN / POOL PHOTO VIA AP)

A nasal spray that combats COVID-19 infection could be in British pharmacies by the summer, says the treatment's lead researcher.

The spray, which is being developed by scientists at the University of Birmingham, works by delivering an antiviral into the nasal cavity, which coats the novel coronavirus, rendering it inactive in both the user and other individuals to which it may spread through coughing.

The treatment is made from two substances, an antiviral agent called carrageenan and a thickener called gellan, that are already proven safe for use in humans.

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Biomaterial engineer Richard Moakes, who leads the research, said he is hopeful the treatment could go on sale in pharmacies within months.

As an over-the-shelf product, we have spoken to companies with a presence on the high street as we think they could distribute it effectively.

Richard Moakes, biomaterial engineer

"As an over-the-shelf product, we have spoken to companies with a presence on the high street as we think they could distribute it effectively," Moakes told The Daily Telegraph.

"Based on the product, it will be much quicker to get to the user than a novel drug," he added. "Our goal is to make an impact as soon as possible, we would really like to see this happen by summer."

Four-times daily dosage

The researchers say the spray, which is yet to be named, will most likely be marketed with a four-times daily recommended dosage.

Moakes said the treatment is safe for young people and could help to get on-site education back on track in the United Kingdom, where schools remain closed due to lockdown measures.

"We think it will help in schools, as one of the good things about the formulation of the nasal spray is that it would not need to be reformulated for children," Moakes said.

The team began working on a nasal formulation in spring last year, during the first severe wave of outbreaks across Europe. It published encouraging preliminary data in a preprint in November, when laboratory studies found that the spray prevented the virus from infecting cells for up to 48 hours after treatment.

The speed at which the treatment may come to market is helped by the fact that the ingredients are already deemed safe, with carrageenan and gellan both widely used in food and drink.

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Contact the writer at angus@mail.chinadailyuk.com