New Approach Against Influenza and Herpes Simplex Viruses Using Chewing Gum Infused With Lectins
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 11, 2024 18 hours, 43 minutes ago
Medical News: A Breakthrough in Oral Health and Virology
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania-USA, the Natural Resources Institute Finland, and the University of Helsinki-Finland unveils a revolutionary method to combat common viruses like influenza and herpes simplex through an innovative chewing gum formulation. This new clinical-grade product could change the way we approach viral transmission, particularly through the oral route. This
Medical News report highlights the details and implications of this exciting development.
New Approach Against Influenza and Herpes Simplex Viruses Using Chewing Gum
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A New Weapon in the Fight Against Viruses
The researchers focused on reducing viral loads in saliva, a primary medium for oral transmission of viruses. They developed a chewing gum containing a natural protein called Flt3 Receptor Interacting Lectin (FRIL), derived from lablab beans. This protein binds to and traps virus particles, preventing them from infecting human cells. This study demonstrated how the gum neutralized significant percentages of influenza (H1N1, H3N2) and herpes simplex (HSV-1, HSV-2) viruses. As the team explained, FRIL’s unique properties make it effective against a wide range of viruses, thanks to its ability to target and aggregate viral particles.
Unlike vaccines or systemic antiviral drugs, this gum works topically in the oral cavity, where many viruses replicate and spread. The researchers believe this method could complement existing vaccination efforts and provide a novel way to curb the spread of viral infections.
Stability and Functionality of FRIL Gum
One of the most striking features of the study was the durability of the FRIL protein in the gum. The researchers tested the stability of FRIL over an extended period, finding it remained functional for nearly two years when stored at ambient temperature. This characteristic addresses one of the critical challenges of traditional biologics, which often require expensive cold-chain storage.
The team employed a mastication simulator to replicate human chewing and evaluated how effectively FRIL was released into saliva. Within just 15 minutes of simulated chewing, over 50% of the active protein was released, and by the 60-minute mark, 95% had been dispersed. These findings confirmed the gum’s effectiveness in delivering the antiviral protein where it is most needed.
Key Study Findings
The gum’s performance was validated through two primary methods: plaque reduction assays and ELISA. The plaque reduction assay showed that the gum neutralized over 95% of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses and HSV-1 and HSV-2 at concentrations achievable by chewing a single 2000 mg gum tablet. Notably, the gum’s potency against HSV-2 was even more remarkable, aggregating up to 94% of viral particles in saliva-like conditions.
For influenza viruses, the researchers observed consistent effic
acy across various strains, including those resistant to traditional antiviral drugs. This robustness makes FRIL gum a promising candidate for addressing seasonal outbreaks and potential pandemics. Additionally, its capability to trap viruses directly in the oral cavity could play a crucial role in preventing transmission.
Preparation and Safety
The chewing gum was carefully formulated using lablab bean powder as the active ingredient. Each gum tablet contains 2000 mg of material, including 79 mg of lablab bean powder, along with other safe and approved additives like maltitol, xylitol, and natural flavoring agents.
The researchers also tested the gum’s safety rigorously. The product passed all bioburden tests, showing no traces of harmful bacteria, yeasts, or molds even after prolonged storage. Moisture content remained minimal, ensuring the gum’s stability over time. Importantly, lablab beans were confirmed to be free of toxic glycosides, substances present in certain other legumes that could harm individuals with specific genetic conditions.
Implications for Public Health
The gum’s potential extends far beyond the current study. Oral transmission is a major route for many viruses, and current strategies often fail to address this effectively. Vaccines primarily generate systemic immunity, which does not prevent viruses from replicating and spreading in the mouth. FRIL gum offers a practical solution to this gap by directly targeting viral particles in saliva.
Additionally, the simplicity of chewing gum as a delivery vehicle enhances its accessibility and appeal. It does not require refrigeration, needles, or medical supervision, making it suitable for use in resource-limited settings. Furthermore, its wide-spectrum efficacy suggests it could be adapted for other viruses, including emerging pathogens.
Conclusion
This study represents a major step forward in the fight against viral diseases. By leveraging the unique properties of FRIL and the convenience of chewing gum, the researchers have developed a product that could significantly reduce viral transmission through the oral cavity. This innovation is particularly timely given the limitations of current vaccines and antivirals in preventing infection and spread.
While further clinical trials are needed to validate these findings in humans, the prospects are undeniably promising. The combination of efficacy, stability, and safety positions FRIL gum as a potential game-changer in public health. As the researchers highlighted, this approach could serve as a blueprint for developing similar products against other orally transmitted diseases.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Molecular Therapy.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525001624008086
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