Thailand Doctors and Pharmacists Develop Potent Antiviral Formula Against SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses

Thailand Doctors and Pharmacists: In an exciting new development, researchers in Thailand have unveiled a groundbreaking antiviral formula that shows promising potential against two of the most notorious viruses affecting global health: SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) and influenza. The innovative formulations, developed by a team of doctors and pharmacists from several prestigious Thai institutions, could serve as a vital tool in the fight against these viral infections, especially in preventing and managing their spread in healthcare settings.


Thailand Doctors and Pharmacists Develop Potent Antiviral Formula Against SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses

Key Institutions Behind the Research
The research team behind this groundbreaking work comprises of well-known Thailand Doctors and Pharmacists, from leading institutions in Thailand, including Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University’s Faculty of Tropical Medicine, and Chulabhorn Research Institute. This collaboration highlights the synergy between Thailand's top academic and research bodies in advancing healthcare solutions. The study aims to address both the therapeutic and preventive needs for viral infections, which continue to challenge public health systems globally.
 
This news report delves into the study’s findings, offering a closer look at the formulation’s components, the research methodologies used, and the promising results achieved by the team.
 
The Innovative Formula: Key Ingredients
The antiviral formulations developed in this study incorporate three active ingredients: D-limonene (DLM), monolaurin (ML), and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). These ingredients were chosen for their known antiviral properties, and their combination in the formulations has demonstrated remarkable virucidal activity against both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.
 
-D-limonene (DLM), a citrus-derived monoterpene, is known for its antiviral properties. It works by disrupting viral replication and boosting immune responses. It has been proven effective against viruses like H1N1, and its use in antiviral products is already well-established.
 
-Monolaurin (ML), derived from lauric acid, is another potent compound that attacks the viral membranes, rendering the virus incapable of infecting host cells. It has broad-spectrum activity, including efficacy against respiratory pathogens like the flu and coronaviruses.
 
-Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a quaternary ammonium compound, is a well-known antiseptic that has been shown to reduce viral loads effectively. It is commonly used in oral care products, such as mouthwashes, and has proven to be effective in preventing the spread of both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.
 
Formulation Development and Testing
Researchers developed two main formulations: o ne for oral use (Formulation D) and one for nasal use (Formulation E). Both formulations contain a combination of DLM, ML, and CPC, carefully balanced to optimize both efficacy and safety.
 
-Formulation D, designed as an oral solution or mouthwash, combines 0.3% DLM, 0.2% ML, and 0.05% CPC, along with Cremophor RH40 (a surfactant that helps stabilize the solution). This formulation achieved an impressive 99.99% efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 within 120 seconds, making it highly suitable for use in oral hygiene products like mouthwashes or oral sprays.
 
-Formulation E, intended for nasal use, contains 0.2% DLM, 0.05% CPC, and 0.75% Cremophor RH40. It demonstrated a 99.87% efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 within 120 seconds and showed strong antiviral effects against influenza viruses as well. This makes it an ideal candidate for nasal sprays or nasal irrigation solutions.
 
Both formulations also showed exceptional performance against influenza viruses, with reductions in viral load exceeding 99.99% across various strains, including FluA(H1N1), FluA(H3N2), and FluB.
 
Stability and Safety
One of the crucial aspects of the study was the assessment of the formulations’ stability over time. Stability testing was carried out at various temperatures to ensure that the formulations could be safely stored and used under different environmental conditions. Both Formulation D and E performed well under refrigeration (at 4°C), with minimal changes in the efficacy and no microbial contamination.
 
The formulations were also tested for potential cytotoxicity. Notably, they showed no significant cytotoxic effects on Vero E6 cells, which are commonly used for testing viral infections. The formulations maintained high cell viability, even at higher concentrations, which is essential for their safety when used in humans.
 
In Vitro Antiviral Activity
The antiviral activity of the formulations was rigorously tested in vitro using both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. The researchers used Vero E6 cells for the SARS-CoV-2 tests and several types of cell lines for the influenza assays. The formulations were applied at different concentrations and contact times, with results showing a significant reduction in viral load across all tests.
 
Formulation D, for instance, demonstrated a remarkable 3.875 log reduction and 99.99% efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in just 120 seconds. This means that the antiviral formula effectively reduced the presence of the virus by over 99% in under two minutes. Formulation E, while slightly less potent against SARS-CoV-2, still showed a 2.906 log reduction and 99.87% efficacy, further solidifying its potential for widespread use.
 
Conclusion and Implications for Clinical Use
The study has produced a promising antiviral formula that could help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza outbreaks, particularly in high-risk settings such as hospitals and care facilities. Both Formulation D and Formulation E have demonstrated high levels of virucidal activity, making them viable candidates for use as preventive measures or adjuncts to existing treatments for viral infections.
 
Importantly, both formulations were tested for stability and safety, showing that they could be stored and used effectively in a variety of conditions. The next steps for these formulations will involve clinical trials to further evaluate their safety and efficacy in real-world settings, especially for patients with COVID-19 or the flu.
 
The study's findings offer hope for the development of a versatile and effective antiviral treatment that could complement existing vaccines and therapies. With ongoing clinical trials, these formulations could soon be available for public use, providing an essential tool for public health worldwide.
 
The study findings were published on a preprint server and are currently being peer reviewed.
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202502.0375/v1
 
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