Auris Medical Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ:EARS) has announced positive efficacy results from AM-301 in vitro study. The company’s affiliate Altamira Medica is developing AM-301 as a drug-free nasal spray against airborne allergens and pathogens
Encouraging results from AM-301 study
Already AM-301 has been tested for its potential to mitigate or prevent infection of nasal epithelial cells by SARS-CoV-2. The epithelial cells are part of the nasal mucosa and form the first barrier against inhaled allergens and pathogens. The company conducted the trial over four days on reconstructed human nasal epithelia commonly used in studying the effects of human respiratory viruses. SARS-CoV-2 replicated efficiently in saline-treated cultures leading to a quick increase in viral titer.
On the other hand, AM-301 treatments started before inoculation, demonstrating adequate protection against infection. After 48 hours post-infection, average virus titers were around 90% lower than those observed in controls. Between 72 hours and 96 hours after infection, titers were between 99.2% and 99.4% lower. Even without removing the unbound virus daily through apical washing and allowing it to accumulate for four days, the viral titer reduction titer was 92.4% compared to control cultures.
AM-301 demonstrates the potential of protecting against SAR-Cov-2
Thomas Meyer, the company’s CEO and Chairman said that they are pleased with the protective effects demonstrated by AM-301 against SARS-CoV-2 in an assay replicating real-life conditions. Meyer said that the first experiments in September showed that AM-301’s main component could trap SARS-CoV-2 by 99% when in contact with the viral suspension. He added that the newly developed spray formulation demonstrates the potential of AM-301 in mitigating infection risk of nasal mucosal cells. Meyer asserted that the company would continue conducting more tests and advance the program towards regulatory submission in 2021.
After nasal application, AM-301 forms a protective gel layer on the nasal mucosa, which prevents the contact of pathogens and allergens as well as viruses with cells. Interestingly the composition in the spray helps in trapping allergens or pathogens and helps with discharge. Therefore AM-301 has been designed to mitigate upper respiratory infection risks and alleviate allergic symptoms.
