The Soviet space program developed an antiseptic called miramistin that may have applications in the fight against coronavirus, flu, and HPV. Research suggests that the antiseptic can fight harmful bacteria and viruses and is environmentally friendly.
Miramistin compound was formulated for the Soviet Union’s Cold War space program, and it can kill viruses like influenza, coronavirus, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The antiseptic has recently been rediscovered in the United Kingdom by the scientists.
Dr. Ali Osmanov, an author of the study, brought the antiseptic miramistin from Ukraine for elaborate research to the University of Manchester and he commented,
“Miramistin has been overlooked in the West, and may have practical and environmental advantages.”
He further added,
“Today antiseptics act as a ‘last frontier’ against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses, and also have an important role in infection control. Unfortunately, currently used antiseptics have some flaws.”
The authors suggest as bleach intensifies the conditions of asthma, and several prior antiseptics for coronavirus are not active. Moreover, the antiseptic miramistin for coronavirus is environment friendly with low toxic value, superbug (lower chances of encouraging bacterial growth), and is biodegradable.
David Denning, an author of the study, also suggests that miramistin antiseptic can work at a cell surface level. Therefore it has a high resistance to the development of bugs. According to researchers, the coronavirus antiseptic does not lead to genotoxic effects and can biodegrade to about 88 to 93%.
Miramistin antiseptic has been active for the older coronaviruses, and researchers expect it might have a broad spectrum to serve for COVID-19. For instance, it has been used for skin infections like ringworm (dermatophytosis) in hospitals as a common practice.
Miramistin antiseptic has been used for skin ulcers, wounds, and skin infections, and clinical trials will be done to determine the effectiveness of miramistin antiseptic for coronavirus.
