NoriZite contains two main ingredients, iota-carrageenan, an antiviral agent known for inhibiting infection against several respiratory viruses {3} and gellan gum, which enables extensive coverage and retention in the nasal cavity. Both are polysaccharides that coat and retain virus particles, so they do not infect the local cells.

The spray has been formulated at the Healthcare Technologies Institute at the University of Birmingham.

Laboratory studies at the University of Birmingham have shown that the NoriZite formulation can prevent contraction and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. The research confirmed the complete inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection up to 48h when exposed to the carrageenan/gellan blend.{3g}

Follow-up lab studies at the University of Birmingham have indicated that NoriZite™ is also effective against Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. Birmingham Biotech plans to test the efficacy of the product against other SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as other viruses causing common cold and flu including rhinovirus, influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in the future.

Use before exposure to viruses.

Apply 2-3 sprays per nostril.

1. Shake before use.

2. Remove the cap and, holding the bottle upright, spray into the air until a consistent mist is released.

3. Blow your nose gently to make sure your nostrils are clear.

4. Insert the nozzle carefully into one nostril and spray 2-3 sprays per nostril.

5. Repeat in the opposite nostril.

6. Clean the spray head and replace the cap immediately after use.

Repeat up to 4 times per day.

Do not use if allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.

In the case of an adverse reaction, stop usage immediately and seek medical advice.

Any serious incident that occurs in relation to this device should be reported to Birmingham Biotech LTD (https://www.birminghambiotech.co.uk/contact-us) and to the MHRA (https://www.gov.uk/report-problem-medicine-medical-device).

For use by adults and children over 12 years.

Suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Norizite™ Nasal Spray is not a substitute for vaccination.

NoriZite™ Nasal Spray has local action in the nasal cavity and is not absorbed by the body.

Norizite™ Nasal Spray is not a medicine and does not contain active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Avoid contact with eyes.

Do not share the bottle. Use one bottle per person to avoid contamination.

If you experience symptoms of a viral infection, contact your doctor.

Keep out of sight and reach of children.

How does the nasal spray work?

NoriZite Nasal Spray coats the nasal cavity and creates a fast, long-lasting barrier against airborne viruses.

What types of virus does the nasal spray protect against?

NoriZite™ Nasal Spray is a medical device with a unique formulation that targets one of the main sites of infection: the nose. It is designed to help reduce the risk of virus particles entering and infecting cells and to supress viral replication.

There is robust evidence supporting the airborne transmission of many respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS–CoV), influenza virus, human rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).{4} The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have officially acknowledged the inhalation of virus-laden aerosols as a main transmission mode in spreading COVID-19 at both short and long ranges in 2021.{5}

Carrageenan has shown antiviral activity against several viruses causing human respiratory disease including influenza, rhinovirus, and coronavirus in numerous laboratory cell culture studies.{3} Clinical studies have also demonstrated that carrageenan-containing nasal sprays reduce the severity and duration of symptoms in adult and paediatric patients with common cold symptoms.{6}

What is unique about this nasal spray? How is it different to other similar products?

This formulation has two major benefits over other nasal sprays. Firstly, the spray ‘plumes’ rather than ‘jets’ when applied with a typical nasal spray applicator, offering up to six times more surface coverage of the nasal passages than other nasal sprays on the market.{3g} Secondly, it has been engineered to stick or adhere to the inside of the nose and remain in situ for at least 6 hours.{7}

How long does the spray stay in the nose? Won’t it drip out?

Research shows that the unique formulation will stay in the nose for at least 6 hours after each application.{7}

The polysaccharide gel was specifically selected for its muco-adhesive properties (its ability to stick to the layer of mucous on top of the cells in the nasal passages). Researchers at the University of Birmingham carefully evaluated the viscosity of the formulation to confirm that when the spray is used as directed, it would be held in place on the near vertical surfaces inside the nose rather than dripping out.

How safe is the nasal spray?

The two main ingredients – iota-carrageenan and gellan gum – are natural polymers that have well established use within the food and medical industries.

Iota-carrageenan has been extensively used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration and is also considered safe for the general population by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) administrated jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority.

Gellan gum is a gelling agent, initially approved as a food additive, that has subsequently been approved for other non-food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses by many regulators, including in the USA and EU.