Low pH Hypromellose (Taffix™) nasal powder spray reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection rate post mass-gathering event at a highly endemic community: An observational prospective open label user survey

Abstract

Bney Brak city tops Israel’s COVID-19 infection rate and mortality. Before the Jewish New Year ( two day gathering for prayers) PCR positivity rates were 17.6% and reached 28.1% two weeks later Taffix - an innovative nasal powder creates a protective gel over the nasal mucosa that blocks viruses from infecting nasal cells. In a prospective users survey, 243 members of a Jewish ultra-orthodox community that participated in the two days prayers were followed for the 14 days to measure the effect of Taffix in this “super spread” event . 83 used Taffix throughout holiday’s prayers and the following two weeks (ITT) . 81 used it regularly as instructed (PP) . Two used it rarely if at all. The remaining 160 did not use Taffix . After 14 days, 0/81 (0%) of (PP) Tafffic users , 2/83 (2.4%) of (ITT) Taffix users and 16/160 (10%) of Taffix non users were infected. Odds ratio for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Taffix users was 0.22, a reduction of 78% (95%CI 1%-95%). No side effects were reported. Taffix is an additional powerful tool against COVID19 spread, in addition to recommended safety measures. This is first time that any preventing measure of SARS-CoV-2, beyond the use of masks, proved effective.