Azelastine is a first generation antiallergic nasal spray that’s available without prescription in the US and Europe. A recent trial conducted in Germany provides compelling evidence that it reduces infections significantly and helps people rebound from their illnesses considerably faster. Those results indicate that azelastine can provide a protective effect against respiratory infections, such as cold and flu. This begs the question of whether and how this tool is available for use in Canada.
Trial Results and Implications
The recently launched German trial included a diverse cohort of participants. Its purpose was to determine the efficacy of azelastine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and the role it could play in fighting viral infections. Researchers observed that azelastine reduced illness duration significantly, which could have vital implications for public health, especially in the context of ongoing respiratory virus challenges.
She said, “I think physicians trained in Canada will navigate the principles and ethics of doing this better. This speaks to the duty of healthcare professionals to assess new treatments in light of new evidence and potential benefits.”
The study’s findings demonstrate that azelastine may be a robust candidate for COVID-19 prophylaxis. It could further boost protection against non-COVID viral diseases. Health authorities everywhere are desperately looking for successful approaches to stem the tide of this pandemic. These findings might encourage them to investigate the use of azelastine in greater depth.
Availability and Regulatory Differences
In Canada, azelastine is primarily available in a steroid combination. This could reduce its potential usefulness as a preventative agent since steroids are well known to suppress immune response. This regulatory divide puts access to effective treatments at risk for Canadians, particularly in light of the findings above.
Healthcare professionals are urging Health Canada to reconsider azelastine’s classification and promotion. The ongoing accessibility issues will prevent many from accessing it, thus missing out on its protective effects against respiratory viruses. This unfortunate state of affairs calls for further and ongoing collaboration between regulators and clinicians regarding available therapies.
Other Preventive Options
Though azelastine holds great promise, it’s not the only prophylactic or therapeutic antiviral possibility on the market. Newer nasal sprays have been developed that have some evidence supporting their ability to fight against respiratory viruses. Science is a never-ending process. Ultimately, we want healthcare providers and patients to be educated on the most recent treatments available and the benefits they can provide.
And that evidence base for nasal sprays, particularly azelastine, just keeps on growing. As researchers look to further understand their effectiveness against COVID-19 and other viral infections, public health guidelines may need to adapt accordingly.
