Repurposed antibiotic shows promise in virus protection

Intranasal neomycin, a common antibiotic, may offer new hope in the fight against respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. 

Published in PNAS, a recent study reveals that neomycin can activate immune defenses in the nasal cavity, potentially blocking both influenza and coronavirus infections. This host-directed approach uses the body's own defense mechanisms rather than targeting the viruses directly, which may help avoid the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains. 

A pilot human trial showed promising results with intranasal Neosporin, pointing to neomycin's potential for broad application in preventing respiratory viral infections. 

Read more: PNAS 

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