| Complications associated with COVID 19 are related to pneumonitis, cytokine storm and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Prof Rinti Banerjee and team have developed anti-inflammatory pulmonary surfactant mimetic aerosols that reduce the alveolocapillary leak, reduce pulmonary surfactant dysfunction by inflammatory mediators, reduce the cytokine storm in the alveoli and increase intracellular uptake by alveolar pneumocytes and macrophages. The aerosols have been validated in lipopolysaccharide induced lung injury models in animals and showed significant reduction in levels of neutrophils, protein leakage, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines like TNF-a, IL-1b and IL-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. All actives are FDA approved as GRAS and GLP toxicology has indicated the safety of the technology as aerosols in rats. US and Indian patents have been granted for this technology. Further translation of the technology is being undertaken and has the potential for reducing the cytokine storm in pulmonary complications of COVID19 positive cases. Partnerships with accredited industries are sought for GMP manufacturing and investigational new drug application for clinical trials. |