Firebrick Pharma (ASX:FRE) has announced today that its patent application covering the use of Nasodine Nasal Spray (Nasodine) in COVID-19 had been granted in the US.
The US patent dated 15 February 2022 is titled 'Prevention of infection by highly pathogenic viruses using topical application of povidone-iodine on mucous membranes'.
“This patent covers the use of any povidone-iodine formulation in the nose for reducing the viral load of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,” said Firebrick executive chairman Dr Peter Molloy.
“Any person or company promoting or selling a povidone-iodine nasal spray in the US for this or a related purpose is most likely infringing our patent.”
The company said the patent has also been filed in Europe, Japan and other countries.
Nasodine had been developed primarily as a treatment for the common cold. It said this is covered by a separate family of granted patents.