Nasal spray could be new weapon against COVID-19
NCT ID NCT05109611
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a nitric oxide nasal spray could prevent COVID-19 in people at risk of exposure. About 1,400 adults used the spray or a placebo for 28 days. The trial was terminated early, so final results are not available.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- nitric oxide nasal spray
- What this could lead to
- If it worked, this could provide a simple, over-the-counter nasal spray to help prevent COVID-19 infection.
- What could go wrong
- The study was terminated early, so we don't have clear evidence it works. It was also tested against earlier virus strains, so results may not apply to newer variants.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
-
1,389 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Nov 2021
- Finished
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Apr 2024
- Lead sponsor
-
A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria Each participant must meet the following criteria to be enrolled in this study. 1. At least aged 18 years old at the time of consent. 2. If female, be surgically sterile or post-menopausal (no menses for at least 12 months), or if of childbearing potential, must be using an acceptable method of contraception such as a combination estrogen/progestin hormonal contraceptive (oral or injected) for at least 1 month prior to Day 1, or such items as an IUD, intrauterine system (IUS), transdermal hormonal implant, vaginal hormonal ring, or 2 forms of the following: diaphragm, cervical cap, patch, condom, spermicide, or sponge. Total abstinence is permitted. If local regulations deviate from the previously listed contraception methods to prevent pregnancy, local requirements will apply. In addition, females of childbearing potential must agree to continue to use their method of birth control for the duration of the study and 12 weeks following discharge from the study. 3. If male, be surgically sterile, or agree to use appropriate contraception (latex condom with spermicide) when engaging in sexual activity and agree to not donate sperm for the duration of the study and 12 weeks following discharge from the study. 4. Be in good health (ie, no acute illnesses or hospitalizations within 30 days of the study start, no planned procedures during study participation, and no newly diagnosed chronic illnesses that are not deemed stable by the participant's primary care physician), in the opinion of the Investigator, based on medical history (ie, absence of any clinically relevant abnormality) during Screening. 5. Be able to understand and provide written, informed consent. 6. Access to a telephone, the internet, a device that reliability connects to the internet, and able to dial into telehealth checkups and study-related assessments. If access to the internet precludes involvement, then paper diaries may be completed and promptly entered into the data capture system at the study centers as part of the regular follow-up visits. 7. Must be able to receive study product shipments directly to their home (ie, no Post Office Boxes), unless in a region (EU) or other location where the participant must receive the study product directly from the sites' staff/physician. Exclusion Criteria: Participants who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded from the study. 1. Participants with acute illnesses or hospitalizations within 30 days of the study start, and/or planned procedures during study participation, and/or newly diagnosed chronic illnesses that are not deemed stable by the participant's primary care physician), based on Investigator assessment of medical history during Screening. 2. Participants with any respiratory infection, flu-like symptoms, or unexplained fever or chills during the week prior to Screening (see Section 6.6.2). 3. Participants with any prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. 4. Participants who use intranasally dosed drugs, prescriptions or over-the-counter medications such as fluticasone within the last 7 days. 5. Participants who underwent a previous tracheostomy. 6. Participants who are receiving any form of oxygen therapy. 7. Females who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or attempting to become pregnant. 8. Participants who have any other condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would interfere with a participant's ability to adhere to the protocol (eg, participants whom are mentally or neurologically disabled and whom are considered not fit to their participation in the study), interfere with assessment of the investigational product, or compromise the safety of the participant or the quality of the data.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Colombo North Teaching Hospital,
Ragama, Sri Lanka
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Karapitiya teaching Hospital,
Galle, Sri Lanka
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Medical Trust Clinics , Inc
Oshawa, Ontario, L1G 4T3, Canada
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National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital, Angoda
Angoda, Sri Lanka
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Peradeniya Teaching Hospital,
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Puttalam Base Hospital,
Puttalam, Sri Lanka
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