Birmingham Biotech and the University of Birmingham Sign Licensing Agreement for Antiviral Nasal Spray Against COVID-19

Birmingham Biotech, a biotechnology company specializing in diagnostic tests, protective nasal sprays, and mobile medical facilities, announced on Nov. 9, 2021, that it had reached a licensing agreement with the University of Birmingham to commercialize their antiviral nasal spray. Designed by Professor Liam Grover, a member of the university’s Healthcare Technologies Institute, the nasal spray is designed to protect against COVID-19.

“As COVID-19 restrictions around the world are gradually lifting, there is a real need for effective methods of viral protection,” said Grover in a Birmingham Biotech press release. “While existing measures like wearing masks and handwashing remain essential, this nasal spray provides an additional protective measure with the potential to reduce transmission. We are thrilled to be working with Birmingham Biotech to bring the [antiviral] nasal spray to individuals around the world.”

According to the press release, the spray is designed to work by encapsulating and deactivating the virus while it is still in the nose, preventing wider uptake by the body. It is formulated with two compounds: a polysaccharide gel that coats and retains the virus, so it does not travel further down the respiratory tract, and carrageenan, an antiviral agent. According to the Birmingham researchers, carrageenan completely inhibited SARS-CoV-2 activity.

“We are delighted to enter into a partnership with the University of Birmingham and to be able to work together with its world-leading academic researchers, to advance medical innovations,” said Michael Hsu, managing director of Birmingham Biotech, in the press release. “We have a shared commitment to bring our proprietary anti-COVID-19 nasal spray to as many people as possible at an affordable price, focusing on developing markets with the greatest need.”

The licensing agreement covers the entire duration of the patent and gives Birmingham Biotech exclusive marketing and sale rights outside of India. According to the press release, the nasal spray is expected to be available in the United Kingdom and Asia in early 2022.

Source: Birmingham Biotech