Efficacy of a Nasal Spray Containing Iota-Carrageenan in the Prophylaxis of COVID-19 Disease in Health Personnel Dedicated to Patients Care With COVID-19. Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial (CARR-COV-02)

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses with an RNA genome. Carrageenans are sulfate polysaccharides synthesized by red algae. Studies conducted in adults and children with the common cold showed the effectiveness of the use of Carrageenan in nasal spray. For decades, the antiviral action of Carrageenans has been described in numerous studies with different viruses that infect humans: herpes viruses types 1 and 2, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, H1N1 influenza virus, dengue virus, rhinovirus, hepatitis A virus, and enteroviruses. Studies on the dynamics of COVID-19 disease show an intense and rapid pharyngeal multiplication in the first 3-5 days of the onset of symptoms, prior to the onset of pulmonary disease. Finally, this molecule has shown a viricidal effect against SARS-Cov2 in vitro. All this underscores the potential value of a therapy that inhibits the virus in the rhinopharynx.