SARS-CoV-2 virus-trapping chewing gum

[gardening-girl]

This is not science fiction. It is from University of Pennsylvania researchers.

Transform plant cells with a gene targeted to the chloroplast that codes for the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike-binding ACE2 receptor. Incorporate the transformed plant cells into chewing gum. When the gum is chewed, the ACE2 receptor is released from the chloroplasts and binds to SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in saliva reducing the viral load by >95%.

“Chewing gum with virus-trapping proteins offers a general affordable strategy to protect patients from most oral virus re-infections through debulking or minimizing transmission to others.”

Debulking SARS-CoV-2 in saliva using angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in chewing gum to decrease oral virus transmission and infection

Molecular Therapy November, 2021

cell.com/molecular-therapy-...

gardening-girl

[Pin57]

Wow, very interesting G-G thanks for posting.

Reading thru the article I didn’t see a rough timeline how long it may take to be FDA approved n available for the public “to chew“? Any guess?

[gardening-girl in reply to Pin57]

Pin57, I don't know the timeline for the chewing gum.

However, the authors of this paper are awaiting FDA approval of an Investigational New Drug Application that they filed for an oral tablet containing the chloroplast-expressed ACE2 for use in early COVID infections.

I don’t know whether an application has been filed for the chewing gum. Actually, this group had been working on a chloroplast gene expression-based oral ACE2 treatment for hypertension even before COVID hit.

Investigational new drug enabling angiotensin oral-delivery studies to attenuate pulmonary hypertension Biomaterials March 2020

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

[bennevisplace]

I love the idea of using gum on these wrigley little critters!

The pavements/ sidewalks will need regular disinfecting though...

[cllady01 Former Volunteer in reply to bennevisplace]

also, restaurants (under the table tops)

And, I will have to learn not to pop the gum when I chew, which I didn't necessarily learn, it just happens.

[bennevisplace in reply to cllady01]

😆

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

I remember as a child in the 1940's being given a Dr. provided coated blue pill to hold pill in mouth to melt the coating and then chew the gum inside for my sore throat from tonsillitis. I was instructed to spit the gum out after the flavor was gone---and that was actually not very long (at least in my memory).

I cannot find any history of that, but it was my experience.

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Here it is: Aspergum

wise-geek.com/what-is-asper...

[Phil4-13 in reply to cllady01]

Oh, yes!!! I remember! Sandra🙂

[LeoPa]

I thought it was a joke. When I sneeze and cough the droplets are not only coming from the saliva in the mouth but from the lungs too. There is no way I would rely on a person's chewing gum to save me from infection 🤣

[cllady01 Former Volunteer in reply to LeoPa]

The Aspergum worked to deliver aspirin into the system, I would assume the gum is a delivery mode and one that can be used on the way to the ER and for anyone who needs the quicker help.

I certainly hope it works as a lifesaver and I think it is a brilliant idea to try.

[newyork8]

But the calories! Can we gargle with Scotch or Irish Whiskey?

[bennevisplace]

On a more serious note, this really is promising research. Do you think an ACE2-laden inhaler might achieve a similar result in reducing viral load?

[Big_Dee]

Hello gardening-girl

Makes sense to me. Sometime in last year I read an article on research that anti-bacterial mouth wash reduced the chances of getting CV-19. That CV-19 is ingested through mouth. I gargle every morning and night with salt/baking soda water that I started at doctors suggestion while under treatment for mouth sores.

[country76 in reply to Big_Dee]

I remember that when the Covid first came out. I wonder if it is true? Also if you're taking an Ace inhibitor for high blood pressure.

[Wishing1202 in reply to country76]

I was taking an Ace inhibitor when I had Covid. It did reduce symptoms, but then my BP went wildly out of control. I ended up on a Beta blocker.

[country76 in reply to Wishing1202]

That's interesting the Covid virus took up the receptors instead of the Ace inhibitor.

[Cindi73]

Thanks for sharing this. My cll specialist is at University of Pennsylvania. I see him Dec 7th. I'll question him about it.

[gardening-girl in reply to Cindi73]

Cindi73, please let us know what your UPenn specialist has to say about this, as well as other uses of the ACE2 protein.

[Cindi73 in reply to gardening-girl]

I'll definitely will let you know.

[country76 in reply to Cindi73]

Me too, I take an Ace inhibitor

[SofiaDeo]

It will be interesting (to me, anyway) to see what nefarious intent the Covid deniers will put on this gum....and if it's hailed as a substitute for masks, how the anti-maskers will twist asking people to chew anti-Covid gum in lieu of wearing one.

[bennevisplace]

The idea is beautiful in its simplicity. It should work to some extent on all Covid variants, all coronaviruses? It might even be an alternative to ACE inhibitors for hypertension etc theconversation.com/what-is... an old article but useful background reading.

ACE2 gum + inhaler = who needs molnupiravir

[Cindi73]

I asked my cll specialist at University of Penn about this chewing gum. He said he hasn't heard about but he will check into it. I'll update you all when I hear anymore. Cindi