Plant-based formulation may treat COVID-19 variants

Published: 6-Jan-2022

Alkalay claims her invention has a unique mechanism of action, decomposing the attachment of sugar residues to proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins

Novel Concepts Medical, founded by Rachel Alkalay, PhD, and based in Tel Aviv, has announced the results of recent testing based on its plant-based formulations for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.

The testing methodology was devised by Alkalay, the developer of the formulations.

The testing, led by Tracey Campbell, PhD, was carried out by the Centre for Microbial Chemical Biology at the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.

The first test reportedly demonstrated the ability to disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 spike-ACE2 receptor interaction, which is a therapeutic target for COVID-19. Disruption of this interaction will prevent viral entry into cells.

The second test demonstrated the ability to disrupt the TMPRSS2, which represents an additional therapeutic target for COVID-19.

The third test demonstrated anti-viral activity in cell culture.

The testing programme concluded: “The NCM formulations act on multiple targets required for SARS CoV-2 infection. This has been demonstrated by in vitro enzyme testing and cell culture assays with a surrogate human coronavirus. This data suggests that these formulations are potential candidates for treatment of SARS CoV-2 infections.”

Alkalay claims her invention has a unique mechanism of action, decomposing the attachment of sugar residues to proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins, which play a role in the virus’ attachment, fusion, and entry into the host cells.

The company is now ready to offer clinical testing after early case studies conducted in Israel have demonstrated recovery within 48 hours. All volunteers with positive PCR tests had negative PCR tests within 48 hours of taking NCM’s formulations, the company claims, with no side effects. These case studies also reportedly demonstrated improvement for numerous Long COVID-19 symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, loss of taste and smell, fever, throat ache, and memory loss.

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