Ointment developed by US scientists can treat and kill coronavirus: Reports

Guwahati: A pharmaceutical company in the US has successfully tested a Food and Drug Administration-approved over the counter ointment as the first line of defence against the deadly coronavirus, reports said.

Scientists associated with the product said the FDA-registered non-prescription over the counter (OTC) ointment has been proven to prevent, treat, and kill viral infections including coronavirus.

The pharma company said in a statement, "As per the lab report states, no infectious virus was detected after 30 seconds of T3X treatment,"

Dr Brian Huber, CEO and founder of Advanced Penetration Technology, which is based out of Indiana and Texas, said "We believe this will be a breakthrough that will reduce the likelihood of becoming infected with coronavirus through the nose, which is where most cases are contracted,"

"This is a big deal. It is the type of protection a lot of people have been hoping for and could be the first line of defence against the COVID virus. It is a powerful and effective layer of prevention," Huber said.

The company released the results of an independent laboratory evaluation of a topical medical formulation that mitigates coronavirus from entering the body through the nasal passages, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of people becoming infected with the virus.

A recent study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) concluded that people contract COVID-19 and other viruses primarily through the nose. However, the virus may still enter a body through the mouth and the eyes as well.

"T3X is an FDA registered, over-the-counter formulation, which means that no prescription is needed. It is easy to use and can be self-administered without the assistance of medical personnel or technicians," the company said.

A London-based research laboratory, Virology Research Services Ltd, evaluated the anti-viral impact of the product, named APT™ T3X, against Corona Virus (NL63) and Influenza A virus and concluded that it is a highly effective formulation against coronavirus.

The research concludes that APT™ T3X effectively neutralizes viral infectivity within seconds. The anti-viral efficacy supports the topical intranasal use of APT™ T3X to decrease the viral load of exposure.

"Under the conditions tested, APT T3X displays a 99.9% virucidal activity against human coronavirus NL63," the company said.