Bermudian-headquartered Altamira Therapeutics Ltd has reached the midpoint for enrolment in its Covamid clinical investigation of its Bentrio™ nasal spray in patients with acute Covid-19.

Covamid is a randomised, placebo controlled clinical trial to evaluate the ability of Bentrio nasal spray to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the nose, alleviate Covid-19 signs and symptoms, and decrease the frequency of Covid-19-related hospital admissions.

In the Covamid trial, 136 confirmed (via a positive PCR test) Covid-19 patients will be randomised at a 2:1:1 ratio to receive for ten days either Bentrio, a placebo (Bentrio minus its key mineral component), or no treatment, followed by a ten-day observation phase.

Depending on the outcomes from a pre-specified blinded interim analysis, the number of participants may be increased to a maximum of 180 Covid-19 patients.

The Covamid study began in Bulgaria in early March.

Thomas Meyer, Altamira Therapeutics' founder, chairman and CEO, said: "We are pleased to have reached this important interim milestone in the Covamid trial.

"Clinically, we have already demonstrated the protective effects of Bentrio against airborne allergens.

“With Covamid, we expect similar results for airborne viruses, which will be essential for the broader marketing of Bentrio as a viral infection therapeutic.

“So far, multiple in vitro studies with Bentrio on human nasal epithelia cells have demonstrated a significant reduction of the viral titre with either prophylactic or therapeutic applications."

The company said it plans to extend the Covamid trial to North Macedonia, which borders Bulgaria to the west, and possibly also to India.

Subject to sufficient Covid-19 incidence rates in the study countries, the company expects to complete the study during the third quarter of this year.

Altamira said Bentrio is a drug-free nasal spray intended for personal protection against airborne viruses and allergens.

Upon application into the nose, Bentrio forms a protective gel layer on the nasal mucosa. This thin film is designed to prevent the contact of viruses or allergens with cells; in addition, the composition serves to bind such particles and help with their discharge and to humidify the nasal mucosa.

Together, this is designed to reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract viral infections and promote alleviation of allergic symptoms.

Altamira is dedicated to developing therapeutics that address important unmet medical needs.

Founded in 2003, it is headquartered in Hamilton, with its main operations in Basel, Switzerland.