Common cold viruses cause substantial productivity losses and negatively impact overall well-being, with an estimated $40 billion lost annually in the United States alone. However, a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE suggests that Biovanta could significantly reduce this burden. The study presents the results of a large, multi-center, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 157 participants across six U.S. cities. Titled “Supporting Respiratory Epithelia and Lowering Inflammation to Effectively Treat Common Cold Symptoms,” the trial tested an immune complex made up of bioactive ingredients for its ability to alleviate cold symptoms.
The immune complex, which includes lactoferrin, lysozyme, and aloe, is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Additionally, the formulation contains salicylates—natural compounds found in many foods and in aspirin. These compounds help reduce the inflammation associated with cold symptoms. After ten years of development, this treatment works by strengthening the respiratory lining and reducing inflammation, targeting the root cause of cold symptoms.
Participants in the trial were either given a placebo or a throat spray containing the immune complex. The results were striking: those who used the throat spray reported up to 80% improvement in sore throat symptoms and saw a 70% reduction in the Modified Jackson Score, which measures symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, cough, congestion, headache, and general malaise.
Dr. Nazlie Latefi, co-author of the study and co-founder of Applied Biological Laboratories, makers of the Biovanta brand, commented, “The study confirms that strengthening the respiratory lining and reducing inflammation can effectively treat the common cold. These findings represent a major breakthrough in a category that has seen little innovation in recent years.”
Dr. Ronald Primas, Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, pointed out, “Most over-the-counter cold remedies show minimal or no efficacy compared to placebos, and many haven’t been rigorously tested at all.”
Dr. Latefi also emphasized the limitations of many traditional product trials, which often last only a few hours. These studies tend to measure short-term relief, typically from intense sensations, but fail to address the underlying cause—chronic inflammation. In contrast, this trial spanned two days and measured the efficacy of eight doses compared to a placebo.
Dr. Tomas Ganz, a leading expert in immunity at UCLA, added, “Many people don’t realize that cold and flu symptoms are actually the result of inflammation, so effective treatments must target that underlying inflammation.”
The immune complex used in this study is unique to Biovanta products, setting them apart from traditional cold and cough remedies that often contain ingredients like dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine, and benzocaine. While these ingredients are common in over-the-counter treatments, studies have shown they may not effectively treat the common cold. In fact, the FDA ruled in 2023 that phenylephrine, a commonly used decongestant, is ineffective for treating cold symptoms.
With its novel approach, Biovanta offers a promising new option for those suffering from the common cold, providing a solution that addresses the root cause—chronic inflammation—rather than just masking symptoms.
