Pharmacists near Moscow have discovered anti-coronavirus properties in drugs for influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and problems with the pancreas, where aprotinin is indicated as the main active ingredient, 360 reports.
The new drug does not yet have a name, it is planned to be released in the form of a nasal spray. Elena Yakubova, medical director of the ChemRar group of companies, told the TV channel that aprotinin can be effective in preventing COVID-19. In particular, it has anti-inflammatory effects and is able to prevent cytokine storms.
The substance itself is safe and has been studied for a long time, but so far Russians are not recommended to buy it. “Once aprotinin is being used for new purposes, research is needed. There were several of them. Including with the participation of medical workers,”said Yakubova.
She noted that for three months, medical workers of the Moscow Medical University worked daily in the "red" zone with infected patients and used a spray. As a result, none of them got sick.
Development research is ongoing, then registration will take place. Presumably, it will appear on sale next spring. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, age under 18, allergies, protein intolerance.
Earlier, Russian scientists at the Influenza Research Institute in St. Petersburg developed a vaccine against coronavirus in the form of a spray based on the influenza virus. Preclinical animal testing is underway.