Innovative Antiviral Chewing Gum May Curb Influenza and Herpes Transmission

In a rapidly globalizing world, the threats posed by infectious diseases are more pronounced than ever. Not only do pandemics and outbreaks, such as COVID-19 and avian influenza, create significant public health challenges, but common viral infections like seasonal influenza and herpes also exert a heavy toll on global health systems. Seasonal influenza alone is responsible for more than $11 billion in economic losses in the United States annually, while herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infects over two-thirds of the global population, leading to severe health issues, including infectious blindness.

Given the low vaccination rates for influenza and the absence of a vaccine for HSV, researchers are exploring innovative solutions to reduce viral loads at transmission sites, particularly in the oral cavity where these viruses are predominantly spread. A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine and collaborating Finnish researchers has introduced an experimental antiviral chewing gum developed from lablab beans (Lablab purpureus), which naturally contain an antiviral protein known as FRIL.

This study, published in Molecular Therapy, builds on prior research demonstrating that a similar formulation significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 levels in COVID-19 patients' saliva and swab samples by over 95%. The researchers tested the gum's efficacy against both HSV-1 and HSV-2, as well as two strains of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2). The results showed that a two-gram gum tablet delivering 40 milligrams of FRIL was effective in diminishing viral loads by more than 95%, mirroring the success achieved in the COVID-19 study.

Importantly, this gum formulation has been developed as a clinical-grade product that meets FDA regulations, ensuring its safety for human use. The researchers express optimism about advancing the gum into human clinical trials to further evaluate its potential in minimizing viral transmission.

Future research directions are promising; the team intends to leverage the antiviral properties of lablab bean powder to combat the ongoing impacts of H5N1 avian influenza, which has recently affected millions of birds in North America and has been linked to human infections. Previous studies have indicated that this bean powder can effectively neutralize H5N1 and H7N9 strains, suggesting a dual application in both human health and animal husbandry.

As the global health landscape continues to be challenged by various viral threats, the development of a broad-spectrum antiviral protein, such as FRIL derived from natural food sources, offers a timely innovation in the fight against viral infections. This research not only highlights the potential for novel treatments but also emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to control the transmission of viruses and mitigate their impact on public health.