The higher-than-expected interest in natural nasal spray made the product, developed in cooperation with Estonian scientists and entrepreneurs, a successful product on the very first day of sale. As of today, a new amount of BioBlock containing bovine antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is available in Benu pharmacies.
The BioBlock nasal spray is intended as an additional measure to prevent the spread of the virus, to prevent an increase in the infection coefficient, and to prevent the reintroduction of extensive restrictions. The author of the idea for the colostrum-based nasal spray concept is Professor Mart Ustav, CEO of Icosagen. According to Professor Ustav, these antibodies are effective not only against the virus strain that originated in Wuhan but also against new, more easily spreading virus variants from Great Britain, South Africa, and Brazil. It was studied both in biochemical experiments and in experiments with the live virus in the BSL-3 laboratory of the University of Tartu. Attempts have been launched to investigate and confirm protection against the new Indian strain.
“It is a natural preparation, where a single dose of 80 mg of bovine antibodies, which is 2000 times less than in one glass of milk, is injected into the nasopharynx,” explained Mart Ustav. However, he points out that although BioBlock is lactose-free, it is not recommended for people who are allergic to milk proteins.
A consortium of Estonian companies
In order to implement the idea of a nasal spray, recognized Estonian companies and universities joined together to form a consortium for the development, production, start-up, and launching of the product. These include Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ, AS Chemi-Pharm, OÜ Teadus ja Tegu, Estonian University of Life Sciences (Institute of Veterinary Medicine and OÜ Eerika farm), and University of Tartu (Institute of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedical and Transplant Medicine, and Institute of Technology). The members of the consortium Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ, Chemi-Pharm AS, and the Institute of Pharmacy of the University of Tartu have developed a precise formula for BioBlock, emphasizing the efficiency and safety of the product. “Production volumes are growing every week, reaching hundreds of thousands in the coming months. In particular, we supply nasal spray to Estonian residents in Benu pharmacies and Chemi-Pharm e-store; the next step is to plan exports to neighboring countries first, then further afield,” said Ruth Oltjer, the founder of Chemi-Pharm.
According to Rainer Kaseväli, the franchise manager of Benu pharmacies, Benu pharmacies have very good coverage all over Estonia, which helps to ensure that the new nasal spray is available to everyone. The quantities on sale vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, but the pharmacies plan to replenish stocks on a daily basis according to demand. “Competent pharmacists of Benu will help the customers with advice and explain how to use the new product correctly. Those who do not have the opportunity to visit a pharmacy can buy a nasal spray from an online pharmacy,” Kaseväli added.
BioBlock is not a medicine and is not a substitute for vaccination
BioBlock nasal spray is based on antibodies isolated from colostrum from cows hyperimmunized with SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein. Professor Ustav emphasizes that it is not a drug but an antiviral product that works on the surface of the mucous membranes in the nasopharynx, from which the early phase of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection begins. Based on laboratory tests, the BioBlock solution is able to inactivate the Covid-19 agent SARS CoV-2 virus.
“BioBlock nasal spray antibodies remain on the mucosa for up to 4 hours. The nasal spray is intended for use on people who have been in close contact with infected people, in order to reduce the risk of their infection, as well as on infected people, so that these people would then be less infectious to their loved ones as well,” said Ruth Oltjer and also emphasized that BioBlock nasal spray is not a substitute for vaccination or wearing a mask, but is an additional measure to break the infection chains of the virus.
BioBlock could be of help wherever social distancing is difficult: at home, in restaurants, in schools, in sports practice, at sports competitions, in the workplace, in means of transport, and in other crowded places.
BioBlock nasal spray is marketed under the new Chemi-Farm brand Medihex. Medihex is a science-based brand of health and pharmaceutical products with a focus on creating a sense of security and well-being for people. The products of Medihex are high-tech, born of collaboration between researchers, universities, and recognized companies. Read more: www.medihex.com