First-Ever Clinical Study of New Homeopathic Capsaicin-Based Nasal Spray Relieves Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Newswise — Researchers from Strategic BioSciences, together with investigators from the Institute for Asthma and Allergy (Wheaton, MD) reported that the new homeopathic product is safe and effective in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis. MucoAdâ„¢ is a mucoadhesive molecule (hypromellose) that prolongs contact with the nasal surface so that the nasal spray lasts longer and re-dosing is needed less frequently.

The double-blind cross-over study included 24 patients suffering from symptomatic, persistent allergic rhinitis who recorded the severity of their runny nose, itchy nose, stuffy nose and sneezing twice a day for a month. The capsaicin- MucoAdâ„¢ formula (Sinol-Mâ„¢) was compared to the 1st generation product without MucoAdâ„¢ (Sinolâ„¢).

Capsaicin nasal spray reduced all symptoms, and symptom relief was achieved with less Sinol-M than Sinol " particularly at night, suggesting that Sinol-M might permit a better night's sleep, free from rhinitis symptoms. There were no treatment related adverse events during the study and Sinol-M was associated with less subjective reports of discomfort.

The significance of the findings was summarized by Principal Investigator, Martha White, MD, who noted that, "These findings have important implications for the millions of people in the US who suffer from nasal allergies. Unlike the prescription nasal steroid sprays, this is an all-natural product that has now been demonstrated to provide clinical benefit and is available without a prescription." The full results of this study will be published in a peer reviewed journal.

Sinolâ„¢ is registered as a homeopathic product in the US. Its principal active ingredient is capsaicin, which is derived from the hot pepper plant. The 2nd generation formulation, Sinol-Mâ„¢, adds a patented mucoadhesive solution (MucoAdâ„¢) that prolongs the contact between a drug and the mucosa. Sinol-Mâ„¢ is expected to become available in the US in March 2009.

Nasal allergies affect approximately 20% of the US population or about 50 million people, including 10%-30% of adults and up to 40% of children. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that seasonal allergies cause over 8.2 million days of restricted activity, 3.8 million lost school and work days and 16.7 million medical office visits. Absenteeism and reduced productivity due to allergic rhinitis, specifically, is estimated, to cost US companies and the health care system more than $6 billion per year.

Strategic Pharmaceuticals Company LLC, doing business as Strategic BioSciences , is a District of Columbia based pharmaceutical company. It is the joint venture of SRxA Holdings Inc, an affiliate of Strategic Pharmaceutical Advisors of Washington, DC, and Fortune Apex Development of Tortola, BVI. The Company has offices in Washington, London and Hong Kong, and will soon be opening offices in Sofia and Singapore.