We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Iota-Carrageenan Nasal Spray Protects Mice against Influenza

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 29 Dec 2010
A nasal spray containing iota-carrageenan has been shown in a mouse model to effectively prevent infection by influenza virus including the pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) influenza strain.

Carrageenan, is a polymer derived from red seaweed. More...
These large, highly flexible molecules curl forming helical structures that give them the ability to form a variety of different gels at room temperature. They are widely used in the food and other industries as thickening and stabilizing agents. All carrageenans are high molecular weight polysaccharides made up of repeating galactose units and 3,6 anhydrogalactose (3,6-AG), both sulfated and nonsulfated. The units are joined by alternating alpha 1-3 and beta 1-4 glycosidic linkages. Iota-carrageenan forms soft gels in the presence of calcium ions. It is produced mainly from Eucheuma spinosum.

The Austrian biotechnology company Marionmed Biotechnolgie GmbH (Vienna, Austria) was founded with the objective of finding innovative therapies for respiratory diseases. Since an iota-carrageenan based nasal spray has already been approved for use a cold remedy, investigators at Marionmed decided to test it against other respiratory diseases.

In the current study, a commercially available nasal spray containing iota-carrageenan was tested in an influenza A mouse infection model. Results published in the December 14, 2010, online edition of the journal PLoS ONE revealed that treatment of mice starting up to 48 hours after infection with a lethal dose of influenza A PR8/34 H1N1 virus with iota-carrageenan resulted in strong protection -- similar to mice treated with oseltamivir (Tamiflu). The polymer directly bound to the influenza viruses, effectively blocking them from attaching to cells and spreading further.

"Influenza viruses still represent a substantial threat to public health on a global scale and with increasing viral resistance to Tamiflu, the need for alternatives has never been greater,” said senior author Dr. Andreas Grassauer, CEO of Marinomed Biotechnolgie GmbH. "This study confirms that iota-carrageenan can be used as an alternative to neuraminidase inhibitors, and should be further tested for prevention and treatment of influenza A in clinical trials in humans.”

Related Links:
Marionmed Biotechnolgie GmbH



Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Automatic Hematology Analyzer
CF9600
New
Nucleic Acid Purification Instrument
QIAsymphony Connect
Platinum Member
Integrated Biochemical & Immunological System
Biolumi CX Solution X10+C10
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders

Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization often presents as pneumonia, particularly in older adults and people with cancer or compromised immune function. Because M protein testing and antibody... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

FDA-Cleared Multiplex PCR Test Detects 13 Respiratory Pathogens in a Single Sample

Respiratory tract infections can be difficult to distinguish at presentation because many cause overlapping, nonspecific symptoms and are initially grouped as influenza-like illnesses. Causes span a range... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.