As countries around the world rush to get hold of the COVID-19 vaccines, Bangladesh scientists have come up with a unique solution: a nasal spray to kill the COVID-19 virus inside the human body.

According to a report on Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh scientists from the Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurement (BRICM), along with other professionals from the field, has developed the BangaSafe Oro-Nasal spray. The spray, they claim, kills the coronavirus in the upper respiratory tract. 

However, the spray isn’t an alternative to vaccines or masks, the scientists said. It only helps to “complement” their effectiveness in checking the virus. 

The scientists also claimed the spray would be highly effective for people like healthcare professionals who remain in close contact with infected people. 

In a small trial, the government officials claimed it safe, effective, and helpful in reducing the viral load of the virus. The trial was conducted on 200 people infected with the COVID-19 virus at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in Bangladesh. 

“The medication [the nasal spray] could be taken through an individual’s nose and mouth. It can work for three to four hours and our solution can eliminate the virus residing inside the nose, nasal cavity, oral cavity, and at the joints of respiratory digestive tracts,” Dr. Mala Khan, the acting director-general of BRICM, was quoted as saying by Dhaka Times. 

Several countries are trying their hands on such solutions but Bangladesh is the first to complete the clinical trial of any such vaccine.