Impressive dive into the details and I was not impressed when I first looked at this myself. I also looked into the historical use of NO and found that it was used as a party drug. It was at one such party that a doctor saw the potential for anesthetic purposes. Still used recreationally today . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_use_of_nitrous_oxide
Great deep dive! The need to approve as a treatment rather than a reduction in spread seems wrong— FDA. Really appreciate the close look at the studies. I’ve been using Xlear and Betadine Cold Defense— no betadine, uses iota carrageenan. There’s some data on them— I haven’t read it. Guess I should! They supposedly reduce transmission by 62% and 80% respectively. As you’ve shown, based on what ? As a person with allergic rhinitis, I use saline via neti pot already…
One more comment: I'm skeptical of FDA approval/non-approval: Paxlovid had a no vote from a patient on the panel who had Covid multiple times and wasn't offered Paxlovid (?!) Their process for approving devices is so lax. And after learning more about oxycontin--and I'm an older physician who was subject to the lectures on "pain as the 5th vital sign"--sponsored by our state attorney general who is now our senator!! So, I wish they were really data driven and not so closely allied with Pharma. But again, thanks for the deep dive on this and the RSV vaccine and more.
Thanks for the analysis. I wonder if throat or saliva tests would be more accurate, even though it’s all connected, because you wouldn’t be swabbing the very place that the spray is reducing viral load in. Also, how long did they wait after spraying before testing? (Sorry, I’m commenting before reading the actual studies:/) It seems like that could definitely be a confounding factor. The transmission reduction possibility is nice though. I had been using Xlear nasal spray for years at the recommendation of my ENT/allergist when the pandemic hit. All of a sudden, I couldn’t find it anywhere. The company had made similar COVID claims based on a study they had conducted, they got slapped down by the FDA, did another study. I don’t know how it ended, but I can buy Xlear again. I’ve been hearing about Enovid a lot in the COVID prevention communities though.
Thank you, I recently had Covid. I tested positive 7/31 after having my first symptom on 7/24. I had tested negative on 7/26. I wasn't that sick but didn't feel like myself and had a low grade fever. I had been in a hospital emergency waiting room on 7/17 and was with my daughter at the hospital the 18, 19 then I was with her the 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. She also tested positive on the 31st after I told her I was positive. She had emergency surgery and her gallbladder removed on July 17 and was taking pain meds and antibotic. I had my 4th Covid vaccine on June 15th along with my 2nd Shingle vaccine. I was surprised to get Covid....but I wish I had worn my mask that day.
I came across this while rummaging through my archives.
Summary
The surprising discovery that the diatomic gas nitric oxide (NO) is generated by mammalian cells and serves to regulate a multitude of physiological processes has continued to fascinate biologists for almost four decades. The biochemistry of NO is complex, and novel insights into the control of NO biosynthesis and mechanisms of signal transduction are continuously emerging. NO is a key regulator of cardiovascular function, metabolism, neurotransmission, immunity, and more, and aberrant NO signaling is a central feature of many major disorders including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Here, we discuss the basics of NO biology emphasizing recent advances in the field including novel means of increasing NO bioactivity with therapeutic and nutritional implications.
Nitric Oxide Nasal Sprays for Covid Prevention and Treatment? Really?
Thanks for doing to careful analysis! It’s never a good sign when the placebo group does so well!
Thank you got this info Dr. McCormick. A very interesting read.
Thank you Dr. McCormick. I feel well armed to discuss this issue as it arises.
Impressive dive into the details and I was not impressed when I first looked at this myself. I also looked into the historical use of NO and found that it was used as a party drug. It was at one such party that a doctor saw the potential for anesthetic purposes. Still used recreationally today . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_use_of_nitrous_oxide
Ever try to remember to take a treatment 6 times a day? That regimen could be a real problem.
After further review, in those charts you provided, maybe we are looking at Mucosal Immunity at work?
"I’m a family doctor not a biostatistics whiz" reminds me of Dr.McCoy, “Dammit Jim, I’m a doctor not a…”
Great deep dive! The need to approve as a treatment rather than a reduction in spread seems wrong— FDA. Really appreciate the close look at the studies. I’ve been using Xlear and Betadine Cold Defense— no betadine, uses iota carrageenan. There’s some data on them— I haven’t read it. Guess I should! They supposedly reduce transmission by 62% and 80% respectively. As you’ve shown, based on what ? As a person with allergic rhinitis, I use saline via neti pot already…
One more comment: I'm skeptical of FDA approval/non-approval: Paxlovid had a no vote from a patient on the panel who had Covid multiple times and wasn't offered Paxlovid (?!) Their process for approving devices is so lax. And after learning more about oxycontin--and I'm an older physician who was subject to the lectures on "pain as the 5th vital sign"--sponsored by our state attorney general who is now our senator!! So, I wish they were really data driven and not so closely allied with Pharma. But again, thanks for the deep dive on this and the RSV vaccine and more.
Thanks for the analysis. I wonder if throat or saliva tests would be more accurate, even though it’s all connected, because you wouldn’t be swabbing the very place that the spray is reducing viral load in. Also, how long did they wait after spraying before testing? (Sorry, I’m commenting before reading the actual studies:/) It seems like that could definitely be a confounding factor. The transmission reduction possibility is nice though. I had been using Xlear nasal spray for years at the recommendation of my ENT/allergist when the pandemic hit. All of a sudden, I couldn’t find it anywhere. The company had made similar COVID claims based on a study they had conducted, they got slapped down by the FDA, did another study. I don’t know how it ended, but I can buy Xlear again. I’ve been hearing about Enovid a lot in the COVID prevention communities though.
Thank you, I recently had Covid. I tested positive 7/31 after having my first symptom on 7/24. I had tested negative on 7/26. I wasn't that sick but didn't feel like myself and had a low grade fever. I had been in a hospital emergency waiting room on 7/17 and was with my daughter at the hospital the 18, 19 then I was with her the 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. She also tested positive on the 31st after I told her I was positive. She had emergency surgery and her gallbladder removed on July 17 and was taking pain meds and antibotic. I had my 4th Covid vaccine on June 15th along with my 2nd Shingle vaccine. I was surprised to get Covid....but I wish I had worn my mask that day.
I came across this while rummaging through my archives.
Summary
The surprising discovery that the diatomic gas nitric oxide (NO) is generated by mammalian cells and serves to regulate a multitude of physiological processes has continued to fascinate biologists for almost four decades. The biochemistry of NO is complex, and novel insights into the control of NO biosynthesis and mechanisms of signal transduction are continuously emerging. NO is a key regulator of cardiovascular function, metabolism, neurotransmission, immunity, and more, and aberrant NO signaling is a central feature of many major disorders including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Here, we discuss the basics of NO biology emphasizing recent advances in the field including novel means of increasing NO bioactivity with therapeutic and nutritional implications.
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)00715-2?dgcid=raven_jbs_etoc_email