How It Works
The primary ingredient in Covixyl® Nasal Spray is Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl (ELAH, also referred to as LAE). The molecule binds to cells in the nose where it blocks the virus from attaching to nasal tissue and inactivates virus particles. Airborne respiratory viruses take hold and replicate in the nasal passages, so the formula’s unique blocking action naturally reduces the risk of infection.
What makes ELAH unique is that it binds to mucosal cells for many hours despite the constant excretion of mucous from the cells. This trait was first discovered in the early 2000’s by Colgate/Palmolive, who was looking for a more effective anti-gingivitis mouthwash. Dr. Abdul Gaffar, C/P’s Director of Research and Development, discovered that ELAH binds to mucosal cells and acts as a surfactant, which means that it disrupts the outer layer of bacteria and viruses, preventing them from entering the cell. This discovery earned him the 2005 Heroes of Chemistry Award from the American Chemist’s Society. Dr. Gaffar retired in 2011 from Colgate/Palmolive but continued working on various projects.
ELAH was granted “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) status by the FDA in March, 2005. It has been widely used as an antimicrobial in food products ever since.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the team hypothesized that ELAH would work equally effectively in the nose as in the mouth. Initial testing against SARS-CoV-2, Rotavirus, H1N1 (Influenza A), and Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) proved the efficacy of ELAH against infection in vitro, showing 99+% reduction across all 4 viruses.
Covixyl® received a Cascade Assay award in June 2021 from the National Cancer Institute’s Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL), an organization within the National Institute of Health (NIH). NCI documented the physiochemical and physiokinetic properties of the nasal spray, including toxicity, sensitization, and even the plume geometry of the spray. The battery of tests demonstrated that Covixyl® is safe to use and shows no signs of allergic reaction.
Spray
Apply 2 sprays in each nostril.
Block
The unique formula with ELAH (Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCL) blocks viral attachment to nasopharynx and helps prevent the virus from developing and spreading
Inactivate
Due to action of natural secretion, the inactivated virus naturally removes from nasopharynx outward to the nose or inward to the stomach.
About Salvacion USA, Inc.
SALVACION USA Inc. is an Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey based medical devices innovator led by Dr. Maria Gaffar. She is the wife of Dr. Abdul Gaffar, former head of R&D at Colgate/Palmolive, a Heroes of Chemistry award recipient, and a recognized expert in the field of the delivery of active agents used topically in humans. Dr. Abdul Gaffar passed away in February 2023. Dr. Harshad R. Thacore, a retired professor at School of Medicine in SUNY at Buffalo and Dr. Sierra Yoon, a professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in D.H. Technologies Institute continue with development work. Erwin Kim serves as Chairman of Salvacion USA.
