Nasal treatment for COVID-19 symptoms

A Novel Nasal Treatment for COVID-19

Phase 2 Interventional Indiana University · NCT05799521

This study is testing a new inhaled treatment called Optate to see if it can help adults with mild COVID-19 symptoms feel better and recover faster.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorIndiana University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Trial IDNCT05799521 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate an investigational inhaled medication called Optate for treating COVID-19. The medication is designed to inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the upper and lower airways, potentially reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Participants will be adults aged 18 and older who exhibit mild COVID-19 symptoms and have tested positive for the virus. The study will compare the effects of Optate against a placebo to determine its efficacy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with mild COVID-19 symptoms and a positive rapid test.

Not a fit: Patients with severe respiratory issues or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a targeted approach to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms and prevent the progression to severe disease.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various approaches to treating COVID-19, the specific use of a nasal treatment like Optate is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
COVID-19 PARTICIPANTS Inclusion Criteria: Subjects, 18 and above, with mild COVID-19 upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

* positive rapid COVID-19 test
* Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement \< 3 (OSCI, Appendix 2) and/or
* Fever \> 100 degree F and/or
* Nasal congestion

Exclusion Criteria:

* FEV1 (Forced Exhaled Volume) \< 55% predicted on the day of study procedures
* OSCI ≥ 3 (Objective Structured Clinical Exam)
* Pregnancy
* Inability to follow commands or perform study procedures including spirometry, coordinated inhalation of study medication

HEALTHY CONTROLS Inclusion Criteria: Subjects, 18 and above, without mild COVID-19 upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

* negative rapid COVID-19 test
* No known medical problems or taking any medication that, in the investigator's opinion, would make them unsuitable for participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Inability to follow commands or perform study procedures including spirometry, coordinated inhalation of study medication

Where this trial is running

Indianapolis, Indiana

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-19Healthy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.