A drug-free nasal spray may soon revolutionize the way we protect ourselves from common respiratory infections like COVID-19, influenza, and even the common cold. Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed the Pathogen Capture and Neutralizing Spray (PCANS), a groundbreaking tool that could serve as a potent first line of defense against a broad range of viruses and bacteria, all without relying on pharmaceuticals.
How PCANS Works
Respiratory infections, whether it’s COVID-19, flu, or pneumonia, typically enter the body through the nasal passage. When we breathe in air, we also inhale droplets that can carry harmful pathogens, which then attach to the lining of the nose and begin to infect the cells. The PCANS nasal spray creates a protective barrier inside the nasal cavity, trapping and neutralizing these harmful particles before they have a chance to spread.
Developed using ingredients from the FDA’s Inactive Ingredient Database (IID) and Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list, PCANS is a gel-like formulation designed to perform three critical tasks:
- Trapping respiratory droplets that may carry pathogens
- Immobilizing the germs, preventing them from spreading
- Neutralizing viruses and bacteria, effectively stopping the infection at the point of entry
Co-author Nitin Joshi, PhD, highlighted how the team focused on creating a drug-free solution that could block germs in multiple ways, offering a simple and safe alternative for people seeking protection against everyday respiratory threats.
Success in the Lab: Near-Complete Neutralization of Pathogens
In laboratory tests, PCANS has shown remarkable success in blocking almost 100% of the viruses and bacteria it encountered, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Influenza, RSV, adenovirus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Researchers tested the spray in a 3D-printed model of a human nose and found that it trapped twice as many respiratory droplets as the body’s natural mucus barrier alone.
According to John Joseph, PhD, the lead author of the study, PCANS forms a robust gel within the nasal cavity, increasing its mechanical strength by 100 times to create a physical shield against pathogens.
Testing on Mice: 99.99% Reduction in Virus Levels
PCANS has also been tested in animal studies, where it demonstrated astonishing efficacy. In one experiment involving mice, a single dose of the spray blocked infection from an influenza virus with 25 times the lethal dose. Not only were virus levels in the lungs reduced by more than 99.99%, but the inflammation and immune responses in the lungs of treated mice also remained completely normal.
Yohannes Tesfaigzi, PhD, another senior author on the study, expressed optimism about PCANS’ potential: “This nasal spray demonstrated extraordinary protective qualities in our tests, providing full protection to mice against highly lethal viruses.” The treated mice showed complete immunity, while the untreated group suffered severe infections.
Why PCANS Is a Game-Changer for Respiratory Health
In a world where respiratory infections kill thousands and cause millions of illnesses every year, a non-invasive, drug-free solution like PCANS could be a real breakthrough. Vaccines, while effective, are not 100% reliable, and viruses like COVID-19 continue to evolve. Masks help but are often worn incorrectly or not at all. The introduction of PCANS provides an additional, highly effective tool in the fight against airborne pathogens.
As Jeffrey Karp, PhD, co-senior author of the study, pointed out, the threat of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and influenza is ongoing. While vaccines and public health measures are crucial, having more tools to combat these threats is essential.
Next Steps: From Lab to Human Trials
Despite these promising lab and animal results, PCANS has yet to be tested in humans. The researchers are now exploring ways to move toward human clinical trials, hoping that PCANS could eventually become a go-to solution for reducing the transmission of airborne diseases. They’re also investigating whether the spray can block allergens, potentially opening a new frontier for allergy relief.
Looking Ahead: A Safer, Healthier Future
This study, published in the journal Advanced Materials, lays the groundwork for an exciting future in respiratory health. With further testing and approval, PCANS could become an accessible, non-invasive method to protect against everything from seasonal flu to global pandemics—all in the form of a simple nasal spray.
Supported by the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation and the Department of Anesthesiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, this study marks a significant step forward in respiratory health research. For millions of people, this drug-free nasal spray could represent a new era of defense against the viruses that disrupt our lives every day.
Joyce Lewis is a talented journalist at 3Zebras, known for her insightful coverage of technology, gaming, and privacy issues. Her work delves into the human aspects of tech, from the politeness of virtual assistants to the security risks of smart toys. Joyce’s articles are engaging and informative, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.