Firebrick (ASX:FRE) gets up the nose of common cold
January 18, 2023Firebrick Pharma research has indicated the efficacy of its nasal spray in treating symptoms associated with the common cold.
Research published in The Laryngoscope points to the potential role of Nasodine as a component of a medically advised treatment option for managing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
The sponsored research carried out by the University of Auckland evaluated for the first time the activity of Nasodine against S. aureus biofilms in vitro using a biofilm reactor model.
Nasodine demonstrated time and concentration-dependent bacterial killing against intact biofilm with statistically significant reductions in viable bacteria with exposures as brief as 5 min. It consistently eradicated dispersed biofilm within 1 min – concluding it is “highly active against biofilms.”
“To date, the development of Nasodine has focused on treatment of the common cold, which is generally caused by viruses,” Firebrick Executive Chairman Dr Peter Molloy said.
“This new research suggests it could also have a future role in bacterial CRS.”
Dr Molloy said CRS is an infection of the sinuses generally caused by strains of Staph. aureus, making it challenging to treat using antibiotics.
“Our clinical focus continues to be on Nasodine as a treatment for the common cold,” he adds.
“However, just as we have been exploring Nasodine’s potential in COVID-19, we may now want to consider its future development in CRS.”
Price Action
The Company’s ASX-listed shares are 23c at Market Open.
About CRS
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic medical conditions worldwide, affecting all age groups. The estimated incidence of CRS is high: 12.3% in the USA, 10.9% in Europe and 13% in China.
In the US, the direct costs associated with CRS are estimated at US$10–13 billion per year and indirect costs due to missed workdays, absenteeism and productivity loss are estimated to exceed US$20 billion per year.
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the bacteria commonly found in CRS patients, and S. aureus biofilms are frequently associated with recalcitrant or recurrent disease.
About Firebrick Pharma
Firebrick is a pharmaceutical company founded in 2012 to develop and commercialise a nasal spray treatment for the common cold based on the potential of povidone-iodine as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. The Company owns numerous granted and pending patents, including a core patent family covering intranasal povidone-iodine for the treatment and prevention of the common cold and a second patent family covering the prevention of pandemic viral diseases, including COVID-19. The Company also has a third patent family covering the Nasodine formulation. Firebrick is completing two major clinical trials: A Phase 2 trial of Nasodine in COVID-19 and a Phase 3 trial for Nasodine to confirm its efficacy as a treatment for the common cold and support international approvals. Positive Phase 3 trial results will also be necessary for securing regulatory approvals and partnerships in major markets outside Australia.
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