Evaluating Astepro® Nasal Spray for Early COVID-19 Management

A Pilot Clinical Evaluation of Astepro® Nasal Spray for Management of Early SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Phase 4 Interventional University of Chicago · NCT06008860

This study is testing if Astepro® nasal spray can help vaccinated adults with early COVID-19 by reducing the virus in their bodies compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment280 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chicago Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06008860 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot clinical evaluation aims to assess the efficacy of Astepro® 0.15% nasal spray in treating early SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. The study will recruit vaccinated individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and randomize them to receive either Astepro® or a placebo. Participants will provide saliva samples to monitor viral load over a 10-day period, allowing researchers to compare the effectiveness of the treatment against standard care. The study seeks to determine if Astepro® can reduce viral load and potentially decrease the spread of infection among close contacts.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are vaccinated adults aged 18 and older who have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and are experiencing mild or no symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who are unvaccinated, pregnant, breastfeeding, or experiencing moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new option for managing early COVID-19 infections and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of COVID-19, previous studies have explored nasal sprays for respiratory infections, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (Primary Cohort):

* 18 and up
* Ability to consent
* Have a Covid-19 positive saliva sample prior to the start of treatment; or positive rapid antigen test at home confirmed via first COVID-19 positive saliva sample
* Ability to follow the study instructions and adhere to the study procedures
* Ability to provide every other day saliva samples throughout the study period 10 days, and report symptoms
* Subjects that have been vaccinated for Covid-19
* Does not have any symptoms or only experiencing mild symptoms of Covid-19 (e.g., such as fever below a threshold or no fever, or without severe cough, among others).

Inclusion Criteria (Close Contacts):

* Ability to consent
* Ability to follow the study instructions and report side effects
* Ability to provide saliva samples throughout the study period
* Subjects that have been vaccinated for Covid-19.

Exclusion Criteria (Primary Cohort):

* Women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or who plan to become pregnant
* Contradictions to intranasal azelastine (known hypersensitivity)
* Use of other Covid-19 treatments (steroids, convalescent plasma, therapeutic antibodies, etc.)
* Intranasal, corticosteroid, immunomodulator, or other medication use which can change the effect of Astepro.
* Prior Covid infection greater than 5 and less than 30 days before enrollment
* Subjects who have been involved with any other research study within the last 30 days.
* A prior hypersensitivity to olopatadine (Patanase), diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine.

Subjects that have not been vaccinated for Covid-19. Subjects that have moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms, or signs of meeting indications (e.g.

Shortness of Breath, chest pains) for urgent or emergent therapy (these subjects will be advised to seek emergency medical assistance).

Exclusion Criteria (Close Contacts)

* Prior Covid infection less than 30 days or greater 5 days prior to enrollment in study
* Use of other Covid-19 treatments
* Having a positive rapid home or PCR COVID test prior to the positive test for the primary cohort subject they're associated with
* Involved with any other research study within the last 30 days
* Subjects that have not been vaccinated for Covid-19.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COVID-19
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.