Prevention of infection by highly pathogenic viruses using topical application of povidone-iodine on mucous membranes
This invention is directed to methods for prevention of infections by highly pathogenic viruses by applying to the nasal mucous membranes topical preparations comprising the broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent povidone-iodine.
1. A method of reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load in a human subject infected with SARS-CoV-2, the method comprising application to the nasal passages of the human subject 1 to 12 times daily commencing after or around the time of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 and/or thereafter for preferably up to 21 days, an effective amount of a pharmaceutical preparation comprising povidone-iodine (PVP-I) at a concentration of greater than 0.10% w/v and less than about 1.25% w/v, wherein the application causes the reduction of the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the human.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation is applied to the human subject prior to exposure of the subject to SARS-Co-V-2 or a person infected with SARS-CoV-2.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the human subject is a healthcare worker who is, or is likely to be, exposed to the virus or infected patients.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the PVP-I concentration in the pharmaceutical preparation applied to the nasal passages is about 0.1% to about 1.0% w/v.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the PVP-I concentration in the pharmaceutical preparation applied to the nasal passages is about 0.2% to about 0.5% w/v.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the PVP-I concentration in the pharmaceutical preparation applied to the nasal passages is about 0.2% to about 0.45% w/v.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical preparation is in a dosage form selected from the group consisting of intranasal solutions, liposomal preparations, drops, sprays, gels, aerosols, and inhalants.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation is an aqueous based intranasal preparation where water makes up from about 80% w/v to about 96% w/v of the total preparation.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation additionally includes an amount of potassium iodide of from about 0.005 to about 0.05% w/v of the total preparation.
10. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation additionally includes an amount of potassium iodate of from about 0.001 to about 0.03% w/v of the total preparation.
11. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation is an aqueous based intranasal preparation where water makes up from about 80% w/v to about 96% w/v of the total preparation and has a pH of from about 3-6.
12. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation additionally includes an amount of humectant from about 1 to about 10% w/v of the total preparation.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation additionally includes an amount of a polar solvent from about 0.2 to about 2% w/v of the total preparation.
14. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation additionally includes an amount of a counter-irritant or local anaesthetic from about 0.001 to about 1% w/v of the total preparation.
15. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation additionally includes an amount of a preservative from about 0.01 to about 0.5% w/v of the total preparation.
16. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical preparation additionally includes an amount of a buffer from about 0.05 to about 0.5% w/v of the total preparation.