Nitric Oxide Releasing Solutions to Prevent and Treat Mild/Moderate COVID-19 Infection

The novel, human-infecting corona-virus, provisionally named 2019 novel corona virus (2019-nCoV) is a single-strand, positive-sense RNA virus and has a similar receptor-binding domain structure to that of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus is transmitted via airborne droplets to the nasal mucosa. Replication occurs locally in the nasal mucosa, in ciliated epithelial cells, over a 3-day incubation period. The mucosal cells are damaged with a resultant inflammatory response similar to the common cold. During this time the virus is shed in nasal secretions causing disease in the lower respiratory tract, potentially causing fatal viral pneumonia.

The literature supports that NO or its derivatives have inhibitory effects on a variety of viral infections. This inhibitory effect was shown to be marked in Interferon (IFN) mediated inhibition manifested by activated macrophage. It was also shown to be correlated with s-nitrosylation of viral proteins such as reductases and proteases.

Based on the genetic similarities between SARS and corona viruses, similar viricidal effects of NO on COVID-19 can be hypothesized.

SaNOtize has developed an innovative approach to provide nitric oxide gas using a formulation called Nitric Oxide Releasing Solution (NORS). This patented solution releases virucidal doses of NO for a sustained period and is effective at rapidly inactivating Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2.

NORS delivered as a gargle (AM), nasal spray (PRN) or as a nasopharyngeal flush (PM) has the potential to decontaminate the upper respiratory tract that could preventing transmission and progression of COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers & Individuals at Risk of Infection.

The randomized Prevention study will investigate the ability of NORS to prevent COVID-19 infection when used prophylactically. The open-label Treatment Sub-Study is expected to be small and will provide pilot data on the possibility of NORS as a treatment for Mild/Moderate COVID-19 infection.

Prevention Study Inclusion Criteria:

• Capable of understanding and providing signed informed consent and ability to adhere to the requirements and restrictions of this protocol;
• Men and Women ≥ 19 years of age unless local laws dictate otherwise;
• English speaking;
• Must be willing to use an adequate form of contraception (or abstinence) from the time of the first dose with the IMP until after the last dose of IMP.
• Be symptom-free at screening/baseline.
• Work/live in contact with COVID-19 infected patients or scheduled to work in a setting with high likelihood of contact with COVID-19 infected patients.

Prevention Study Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior Tracheostomy;
• Concomitant treatment of respiratory support (involving any form of oxygen therapy);
• Any clinical contraindications, as judged by the attending physician;
• Any symptoms consistent with COVID-19;
• Pregnant;
• Mentally or neurologically disabled patients who are considered not fit to consent to their participation in the study;
• Prior COVID-19 infection.

Treatment Sub study Inclusion Criteria:

• Capable of understanding and providing signed informed consent and ability to adhere to the requirements and restrictions of this protocol;
• Men and Women ≥ 19 years of age unless local laws dictate otherwise;
• English speaking;
• Must be willing to use an adequate form of contraception (or abstinence) from the time of the first dose with the IMP until after the last dose of IMP;
• Positive COVID-19 test or presentation of clinical symptoms defined as fatigue with either fever >37.2 (oral) and/or a persistent cough.

Treatment Sub Study Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior Tracheostomy;
• Concomitant treatment of respiratory support (involving any form of oxygen therapy); Any clinical contraindications, as judged by the attending physician;
• Mentally or neurologically disabled patients who are considered not fit to consent to their participation in the study;
• Pregnant;
• Currently hospitalized for symptoms of COVID-19.