Sublingual Interferon Alpha Lozenge for SARS-CoV-2 Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for COVID-19, such as high-dose injectable interferons, have limitations in efficacy and compliance due to systemic administration and potential side effects, while there is a need for effective prevention and treatment methods against Coronavirus infections, particularly for severe cases causing lung injury and cytokine storms.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sublingual or buccal administration of low-dose interferon alpha (IFN-α), potentially combined with other interferons and antiviral agents, in a lozenge or orally disintegrating tablet form, to provide a therapeutically effective amount for treating and preventing Coronavirus infections, including SARS-CoV-2 variants, without the need for digestive absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-dose interferon is administered by intramuscular injection for systemic treatment, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but the compliance and safety deteriorate due to side effects and invasive administration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dosage parameter from high-dose (more than 1 million IU) to low-dose (1-1000 IU), and changes the administration route from intramuscular injection to sublingual/buccal administration. This parameter transformation maintains therapeutic effectiveness while dramatically improving compliance and reducing side effects, directly resolving the technical contradiction between therapeutic effect and compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lozenge as an intermediary carrier that delivers interferon alpha directly to the sublingual/buccal mucosa. This intermediary formulation enables non-invasive administration while ensuring adequate drug delivery to the target site, resolving the contradiction between avoiding injection (improving compliance) and maintaining therapeutic effect
2Reliability
If high-dose interferon is administered systemically, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but the harmful factors increase due to side effects and immune suppression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies interferon locally at the sublingual/buccal mucosa rather than systemically throughout the body. This localized administration achieves high concentration at the target site (oral cavity and upper respiratory tract) while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects, directly resolving the contradiction between therapeutic effect and harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dosage parameter from high-dose to low-dose administration. By using low doses (1-1000 IU) delivered locally via sublingual/buccal route, the patent achieves adequate therapeutic effect while dramatically reducing the harmful side effects associated with high-dose systemic interferon administration
3Reliability
If conventional high-dose interferon treatment is used, then viral suppression is achieved, but the complexity of treatment increases due to injection requirements and monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lozenge as an intermediary delivery system that simplifies the treatment process. The lozenge contains interferon alpha and is administered orally without injection, eliminating the need for needles, specialized administration equipment, and complex monitoring protocols, thus resolving the contradiction between viral suppression and treatment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical injection system (needles, syringes, intramuscular administration) with a simple oral lozenge dissolution system. This substitution eliminates complex administration equipment and procedures while maintaining viral suppression effectiveness, directly resolving the technical contradiction
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a method for treating and/or preventing an infection of Coronavirus comprising: providing a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising interferon to a subject via sublingual administration and/or buccal administration; wherein the Coronavirus comprises SARS-CoV-2.