Clinical Trial Studying At-Home Nasal Spray to Prevent COVID-19

BATON ROUGE, La. – Researchers at Baton Rouge General are studying whether a new at-home nasal spray can prevent COVID-19. As part of the Phase 2 clinical trial, rhinologist Dr. Henry Barham and his team are looking for participants between the ages of 18 and 65 years old who have not had COVID-19.

“The initial data is very encouraging, and through this trial, we hope to find that a safe, effective prevention option that acts as a barrier of defense against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19,” said Dr. Barham.

While the COVID-19 vaccines stimulate adaptive or “memory” immunity by causing antibodies, the nasal spray studies innate immunity, which acts as the defense system a person is born with and serves as the first line of defense in preventing infection.

If a person meets the criteria and is eligible to participate in the study, it will involve using the self-administered nasal spray as well as four study-related office visits over the course of six weeks. For information on the study, call (225) 819-1181 or click here.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General is affiliated with several medical school programs, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.

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