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Iota-Carrageenan
Iota-carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide that forms a protective physical barrier on nasal mucosa to trap and prevent viral particles from infecting respiratory epithelial cells.
Iota-carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide that forms a protective physical barrier on nasal mucosa to trap and prevent viral particles from infecting respiratory epithelial cells. Used for Prevention and treatment of common cold caused by rhinoviruses and other respiratory viruses.
At a glance
| Generic name | Iota-Carrageenan |
|---|---|
| Also known as | NCX-4240, Placebo |
| Sponsor | NicOx |
| Drug class | Antiviral polysaccharide |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Virology / Respiratory Infection |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Iota-carrageenan, derived from red seaweed, works through a non-systemic topical mechanism by coating the nasal epithelium and creating a viscous barrier that mechanically traps respiratory viruses (particularly rhinoviruses and other enveloped viruses) before they can attach to and infect host cells. This physical blocking approach does not rely on receptor antagonism or enzymatic inhibition, making it a unique antiviral strategy with a low potential for resistance development.
Approved indications
- Prevention and treatment of common cold caused by rhinoviruses and other respiratory viruses
Common side effects
- Nasal irritation
- Sneezing
- Rhinorrhea
Key clinical trials
- CHRONO-NUTRITION APPLICATION: THE EFFECT OF FIBER JELLY ON POST PRANDIAL BLOOD GLUCOSE, SATIETY AND WEIGHT LOSS AMONG OVERWEIGHT WOMEN (NA)
- MitoQ for Early-phase Schizophrenia-spectrum Disorder and Mitochondrial Dysfunction (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate a Postbiotic in Supporting Weight Loss and Metabolic Health (NA)
- Tolerability, Safety and Activity of a Muscle Relaxant Molecule IDN5243 in Patients With Low Back Pain (PHASE2)
- Investigating the Impact of the Seaweed Derived Food Additive, Carrageenan, on the Human Gut Microbiome (NA)
- FOod Additives on the Mucosal Barrier (NA)
- Effect of Probiotic Toothpaste and Regular Toothpaste on Plaque Levels of Orthodontic Patients (NA)
- Effect of Local Treatment(Carrageenan Nasal Spray and PVP-I Mouthwash) in Reducing Viral Load in Patients With COVID-19 (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Iota-Carrageenan CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Iota-Carrageenan updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- NicOx portfolio CI