On Thursday, ITC announced it is developing a nasal spray for COVID 19 prevention, for which it has started clinical trials. The company plans to market the nasal spray under the Savlon brand once it gets all the necessary regulatory approvals, according to sources.
A ITC spokesman said when contacted for comments, we are unable to share more details at the moment, as clinical trials are underway. The spokesperson didn't respond to a request for comment on where the clinical trial would be done, from where the commercial production would be done, and under what brand the nasal spray would be marketed.
Sources said the company had received approval from ethics committees and is registered with Clinical Trial Registry-India CTRI for clinical trials of the nasal spray that is designed to arrest the virus at the entry point in the nasal cavity.
They said the product could be effective and safe in preventing the spread of COVID - 19 along with the existing measures of hygiene recommended by health authorities.
The LSTC of ITC has been at the heart of the company's drive for science-driven product innovation to support and build its wide range of product portfolio.
During the Pandemic, the R&D teams of the company helped develop a range of innovative health and hygiene offerings that were commercially available under the Savlon brand.