Oral spray could reduce length and symptoms of the common cold

Researchers have found that Enzymatica’s ColdZyme, an oral spray barrier solution containing glycerol and the proteolytic enzyme trypsin, obtained from the Atlantic cod, had significant effects on symptoms of headache, nose congestion and a sore throat. 267 participants with a naturally occurring common cold, who were randomly assigned to use the spray or abstain, took part in their trial. The spray was either used six times a day on the first day of symptoms, or not used at all. The researchers found that overall symptom scores on the Jackson cold scale within the first seven days were lower in the ColdZyme-treated group at 39.6 vs. 46.2, and there were significant effects on the individual symptoms of sore throat, nose congestion and headache. Quality-of-life scores were up and the duration of the cold was shorter in the group who used the spray. Other in vitro research showed that it can inactivate 99% of viruses that cause the common cold, including rhinovirus and influenza.
Fredrik Lindberg, chief medical officer at Enzymatica, said: “The extremely convincing study results enable us to show the specific clinical benefit of using ColdZyme.”