Hypochlorous acid for COVID-19

Abstract Introduction To eliminate the COVID-19 pandemic, the transmission of the virus SARS-CoV-2 among the population needs to be blocked and/or at least reduced. Upper respiratory tract viral loads are highest in the early stages of the disease, and high loads are associated with higher mortality rates. This study aims to evaluate the virucidal efficacy of AOS2020, a novel sprayable Acid-Oxidizing solution containing pure and stable hypochlorous acid (HClO), on human coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 in vitro, and the tolerability profile on nasal and oral mucosa suggesting to be a potential solution for upper respiratory hygiene. Method Virucidal assays and intranasal and oral irritation tests were undertaken in accordance with relevant national and international guidance and methods. Results In pre-clinical tests, the AOS2020, showed > 99.8% virucidal efficacy in < 1 min against SARS-Cov-2. The safety profile testing on both the nasal and oral mucosa indicates that AOS2020 is non-irritant. Conclusion These initial results indicate that this product has the potential treatment to reduce viral load in the upper respiratory tract.

AbstractDuring the next few months or years, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection will significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. However, additional measures are needed to protect those who are still not immunized. This is even more important in view of new viral mutations that result in increased transmission rates. We propose that the use of long-standing medicinal solutions based on hypochloric acid (HOCl) and intended for application on wounds may be effective as a gargling solution or nasal irrigation in blocking transmission of the virus. Here, we propose the use of HOCl-containing solutions for blocking the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in combination with other prevention measures. This may constitute another important cornerstone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Evidence is emerging of the beneficial effects of inhaling microaerosolized hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as an intervention in the prevention and treatment of respiratory virus infections, including SARS CoV-2. However, little information is available about the effects of inhalation of homogenous HOCl solutions in normal human subjects or in experimental animals. In this report we establish through independent laboratories that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is rapidly inactivated by exposure to HOCl. Inhalation of an aerosolized form of the same HOCl solution by rodents, in accordance with a US-EPA acute 4-hour inhalation toxicity protocol, then provided observational, gross pathological, and histopathological evidence that their pulmonary exposure did not result in any difference when compared to control animals. During the pandemic lockdown, subjective impressions of exposure to aerosolized HOCl were submitted as self-reported responses by employees of a machine-tool shop located in Tacoma, Washington, about 35 miles from Seattle. At that location exposure to HOCl was adopted by a subset of employees as a routine for entry into the facilities. Under short-term, controlled conditions those individuals breathed HOCl misted from a reservoir containing 180 ppm free active chlorine (FAC). Their reports were used to arrive at inferences regarding the effects of exposure. Chemical and antimicrobial characterizations of the aerosols used for these exposures were also performed. Results are discussed in relation to (1) published accounts of HOCl preparations and their effects on respiratory viruses, including rhinoviruses and coronaviruses, and (2) the potential for rational intervention in infections arising from aerosolized pathogens, including the pandemic SARS-CoV-2, using inhalation as a method for administration of HOCl.