Story perspectives

Nasal Spray Cuts COVID-19 Risk by Two-Thirds

9/5/2025

46 6

Summary

Story summary

A study from Saarland University found a nasal spray could reduce COVID-19 infection risk by two-thirds.
The phase 2 trial, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, involved 450 healthy adults from March 2023 to July 2024.
Participants received azelastine nasal spray or a placebo, with testing for SARS-CoV-2 twice weekly.
Infection rates were 2.2% for the azelastine group compared to 6.7% for placebo.
Researchers recommend larger trials to evaluate azelastine's effectiveness against respiratory viruses.

1 of 1

Story summary

A study from Saarland University found a nasal spray could reduce COVID-19 infection risk by two-thirds.
The phase 2 trial, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, involved 450 healthy adults from March 2023 to July 2024.
Participants received azelastine nasal spray or a placebo, with testing for SARS-CoV-2 twice weekly.
Infection rates were 2.2% for the azelastine group compared to 6.7% for placebo.
Researchers recommend larger trials to evaluate azelastine's effectiveness against respiratory viruses.