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WO2021209493A2 - Moyens et procédés de prévention et de traitement d'infections - Google Patents

Moyens et procédés de prévention et de traitement d'infections Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021209493A2
WO2021209493A2 PCT/EP2021/059643 EP2021059643W WO2021209493A2 WO 2021209493 A2 WO2021209493 A2 WO 2021209493A2 EP 2021059643 W EP2021059643 W EP 2021059643W WO 2021209493 A2 WO2021209493 A2 WO 2021209493A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
composition
chitosan
salt
virus
group
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2021/059643
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English (en)
Other versions
WO2021209493A3 (fr
Inventor
Andreas Voigt
Richard Dolph ANDERSEN
Karl Skriner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Leopold GmbH
Solyplus GmbH
Original Assignee
Leopold GmbH
Solyplus GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Leopold GmbH, Solyplus GmbH filed Critical Leopold GmbH
Priority to EP21724196.7A priority Critical patent/EP4135718A2/fr
Priority to CA3171226A priority patent/CA3171226A1/fr
Priority to JP2022562965A priority patent/JP2023522049A/ja
Priority to BR112022020717A priority patent/BR112022020717A2/pt
Priority to IL296364A priority patent/IL296364A/en
Priority to US17/918,679 priority patent/US20230346824A1/en
Priority to MX2022012940A priority patent/MX2022012940A/es
Priority to PCT/EP2021/079199 priority patent/WO2022135767A1/fr
Priority to US18/258,861 priority patent/US20240050366A1/en
Priority to EP21805842.8A priority patent/EP4267148A1/fr
Priority to CA3202259A priority patent/CA3202259A1/fr
Publication of WO2021209493A2 publication Critical patent/WO2021209493A2/fr
Publication of WO2021209493A3 publication Critical patent/WO2021209493A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/70—Carbohydrates; Sugars; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K31/715—Polysaccharides, i.e. having more than five saccharide radicals attached to each other by glycosidic linkages; Derivatives thereof, e.g. ethers, esters
    • A61K31/716—Glucans
    • A61K31/722—Chitin, chitosan
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/495—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with two or more nitrogen atoms as the only ring heteroatoms, e.g. piperazine or tetrazines
    • A61K31/505—Pyrimidines; Hydrogenated pyrimidines, e.g. trimethoprim
    • A61K31/519—Pyrimidines; Hydrogenated pyrimidines, e.g. trimethoprim ortho- or peri-condensed with heterocyclic rings
    • A61K31/52—Purines, e.g. adenine
    • A61K31/522—Purines, e.g. adenine having oxo groups directly attached to the heterocyclic ring, e.g. hypoxanthine, guanine, acyclovir
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/70—Carbohydrates; Sugars; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K31/7004—Monosaccharides having only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/70—Carbohydrates; Sugars; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K31/715—Polysaccharides, i.e. having more than five saccharide radicals attached to each other by glycosidic linkages; Derivatives thereof, e.g. ethers, esters
    • A61K31/726—Glycosaminoglycans, i.e. mucopolysaccharides
    • A61K31/728—Hyaluronic acid
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations
    • A61K8/02—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K8/0241—Containing particulates characterized by their shape and/or structure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations
    • A61K8/18—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition
    • A61K8/72—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic macromolecular compounds
    • A61K8/73—Polysaccharides
    • A61K8/736—Chitin; Chitosan; Derivatives thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
    • A61K9/0014—Skin, i.e. galenical aspects of topical compositions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
    • A61K9/0043—Nose
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
    • A61K9/0053—Mouth and digestive tract, i.e. intraoral and peroral administration
    • A61K9/0056—Mouth soluble or dispersible forms; Suckable, eatable, chewable coherent forms; Forms rapidly disintegrating in the mouth; Lozenges; Lollipops; Bite capsules; Baked products; Baits or other oral forms for animals
    • A61K9/0058—Chewing gums
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
    • A61K9/0053—Mouth and digestive tract, i.e. intraoral and peroral administration
    • A61K9/006—Oral mucosa, e.g. mucoadhesive forms, sublingual droplets; Buccal patches or films; Buccal sprays
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0087—Galenical forms not covered by A61K9/02 - A61K9/7023
    • A61K9/0095—Drinks; Beverages; Syrups; Compositions for reconstitution thereof, e.g. powders or tablets to be dispersed in a glass of water; Veterinary drenches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
    • A61P31/12—Antivirals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P33/00—Antiparasitic agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61Q—SPECIFIC USE OF COSMETICS OR SIMILAR TOILETRY PREPARATIONS
    • A61Q11/00—Preparations for care of the teeth, of the oral cavity or of dentures; Dentifrices, e.g. toothpastes; Mouth rinses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61Q—SPECIFIC USE OF COSMETICS OR SIMILAR TOILETRY PREPARATIONS
    • A61Q19/00—Preparations for care of the skin
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/22—Carbohydrates or derivatives thereof
    • C11D3/221—Mono, di- or trisaccharides or derivatives thereof
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/22—Carbohydrates or derivatives thereof
    • C11D3/222—Natural or synthetic polysaccharides, e.g. cellulose, starch, gum, alginic acid or cyclodextrin
    • C11D3/227—Natural or synthetic polysaccharides, e.g. cellulose, starch, gum, alginic acid or cyclodextrin with nitrogen-containing groups
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/26—Organic compounds containing nitrogen
    • C11D3/32—Amides; Substituted amides
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/48—Medical, disinfecting agents, disinfecting, antibacterial, germicidal or antimicrobial compositions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G4/00—Chewing gum
    • A23G4/06—Chewing gum characterised by the composition containing organic or inorganic compounds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PREPARATION OR TREATMENT THEREOF
    • A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Preparation or treatment thereof
    • A23L2/52—Adding ingredients
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PREPARATION OR TREATMENT THEREOF
    • A23L29/00—Foods or foodstuffs containing additives; Preparation or treatment thereof
    • A23L29/20—Foods or foodstuffs containing additives; Preparation or treatment thereof containing gelling or thickening agents
    • A23L29/275—Foods or foodstuffs containing additives; Preparation or treatment thereof containing gelling or thickening agents of animal origin, e.g. chitin

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to compounds and compositions, their use and methods using the compounds and compositions for preventing an infection, e.g. an infection by a virus or bacterium, or treating an infection, e.g. an infection by a virus or bacterium, or treating a disease caused by an infection, e.g. by a virus or bacterial infection, and a method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies.
  • Viruses and bacteria, infections by viruses and bacteria, and diseases caused by virus or bacterial infections remain a continued and ever evolving threat to health and life. Recently, this has been shown by the global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2.
  • present invention relates to a composition for use in preventing an infection, or treating an infection, or treating a disease caused by an infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention relates to a solid composition for use in preventing an infection by a virus or bacterium, or treating a virus or bacterial infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus or bacterial infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a non-medical use of a composition for preventing an infection, wherein the composition is as defined herein in accordance with the invention.
  • the present invention also relates to a non-medical use of a solid composition for preventing an infection by a virus or bacterium, wherein the solid composition is as defined herein in accordance with the invention.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of preventing an infection, or treating an infection, or treating a disease caused by an infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is as defined herein in accordance with the invention.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of preventing an infection by a virus or bacterium, or treating a virus or bacterial infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus or bacterial infection by the use of a solid composition, wherein the solid composition is as defined herein in accordance with the invention.
  • the present invention also relates to a chewing gum comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to an edible composition
  • an edible composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration, the composition comprising a particle, wherein the particle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration, the composition comprising a microparticle, wherein the microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a sustained delivery system comprising chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition suitable for treating a surface or skin, the composition comprising a particle, wherein the particle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition suitable for treating a surface or skin, the composition comprising a microparticle, wherein the microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a surface or skin, the method comprising contacting the surface or skin with the composition as defined herein in accordance with the invention.
  • the present invention also relates to a use of a composition as defined herein in accordance with the invention for inactivating a virus or bacterium.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies, the method comprising contacting a fluid that contains a virus and virus neutralizing antibodies, wherein the virus neutralizing antibodies bind to said virus, with a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof for use in a method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a patient being infected with a virus, the method comprising contacting a fluid that contains a virus and virus neutralizing antibodies, wherein the virus neutralizing antibodies bind to said virus, with a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof, wherein said compound increases the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies.
  • Figure 1 panel upper left shows tubes including chewing gum probes 236.03 SPF1490 and 0.23 mg/ml 236.02 SPF1494 after 5 days in PBS or saliva at 4°C.
  • Figure 1 panel upper right shows a 96 well plate of a chitosan ELISA negative controls, which negative controls are showing no detection of chitosan after rinsing the mouth 3x with water and testing chitosan levels.
  • Figure 1 panel lower left shows a 96 well plate with chitosan ELISA standard concentrations from 10 mg/ml to 0.046 mg/ml.
  • Figure 1 panel lower right shows a 96 well plate of a chitosan ELISA test sample.
  • Figure 2 shows the chitosan release.
  • Figure 2 A shows the chitosan release of four persons (two women/two men) chewing of the chewing gum products 236.03 SPF1490 and 236.02 SPF1494 measured with a chitosan ELISA.
  • Figure 2 B shows the mean level of chitosan release of four persons (two women/two men) chewing of the chewing gum products 236.03 SPF1490 and 236.02 SPF1494 measured with a chitosan ELISA.
  • Figure 2 C shows the total release of chitosan measured by a Chitosan ELISA.
  • FIG. 3 shows an overview of different MST experiments.
  • Figure 4 shows an MST experiment.
  • concentration of RED a Cy5 derivative obtained from NanoTemper Technologies, Kunststoff, Germany
  • S protein monomer (20 nM)
  • concentration of non-labeled chitosan was varied between “0.5 mM - 0.2 nM” arbitrary units.
  • the assay was performed in PBS containing 0.05 % Tween 20 and 50 % negative human serum #SK (the titration of the ligand was performed in the negative serum (SK)).
  • SK negative human serum
  • Figure 5 shows an MST experiment. Therein the concentration of RED labeled Covid-peptide (10 nM) has been kept constant, while the concentration of non-labeled human ACE2 was varied between 315 nM — 0.009 nM.
  • the assay was performed in PBS containing 0.05 % Tween20 and 50 % negative human serum #MJ (the titration of the ligand was performed in the negative serum). After a short incubation the samples were loaded into Monolith NT.115 premium capillaries and the MST analysis was performed using a Monolith NT.115. Concentrations on the x-axis are plotted in nM. A K d of 43 nM was determined for this interaction.
  • Figure 6 shows an MST experiment. Therein the concentration of RED labeled (via the Snap tag) S protein monomer (20 nM) has been kept constant, while the concentration of non- labeled ACE2 with and without Chitosan was varied between ”0.5 pM - 0.2 nM" arbitrary units.
  • the assay was performed in PBS containing 0.05% Tween20 and 50 % negative human serum #SK (the titration of the ligand was performed in the negative serum (SK)). After a short incubation the samples were loaded into Monolith NT.115 premium capillaries and the MST analysis was performed using a Monolith NT.115. Concentrations on the x-axis are plotted in nM. No binding could be detected.
  • Figure 7 shows an MST experiment.
  • concentration of RED labeled (via the Snap tag) protein monomer (20 nM) has been kept constant, while the concentration of non- labeled D-Galactose was varied between “0.5 pM - 0.2 nM” arbitrary units.
  • the assay was performed in PBS containing 0.05 % Tween20 and 50 % negative human serum #SK (the titration of the ligand was performed in the negative serum SK)). After a short incubation the samples were loaded into MonolithTM NT.115 premium capillaries and the MST analysis was performed using a Monolith NT.115. Concentrations on the x-axis are plotted in nM. A binding could be detected.
  • Figure 8 shows an MST experiment. Therein the concentration of RED labeled (via the Snap tag) S protein monomer (20 nM) has been kept constant, while the concentration of non labeled mannose was varied between “0.5 mM - 0.2 nM” arbitrary units.
  • the assay was performed in PBS containing 0.05 % Tween20 and 50 % negative human serum #SK (the titration of the ligand was performed in the negative serum (SK)). After a short incubation the samples were loaded into Monolith NT.115 premium capillaries and the MST analysis was performed using a MonolithNT.115. Concentrations on the x-axis are plotted in nM. A binding could be detected.
  • Figure 9 shows an MST experiment. Therein the concentration off RED labeled (via the Snap tag) S protein monomer (20 nM) has been kept constant, while the concentration of non- labeled ACE2 and mannose was varied between ”0.5 pM - 0.2 nM” arbitrary units.
  • the assay was performed in PBS containing 0.05 % Tween20 and 50 % negative human serum #SK (the titration of the ligand was performed in the negative serum (SK)). After a short incubation the samples were loaded into Monolith NT.115 premium capillaries and the MST analysis was performed using a Monolith NT.115. Concentrations on the x-axis are plotted in nM. No clear binding could be detected.
  • Figure 10 shows an MST experiment. Therein the concentration of RED labeled (via the Snap tag) S protein monomer (20 nM) has been kept constant, white the concentration of non-labeled coffeine was varied between “0.5 pM - 0.2 nM” arbitrary units.
  • the assay was performed m PBS containing 0.05 % Tween20 and 50 % negative human serum (the titration of the ligand was performed in the negative serum (SK)). After a short incubation the samples were loaded into MonolithTM NT.115 premium capillaries and the MST analysis was performed using a Monolith NT.115. Concentrations on the x-axis are plotted in nM. A binding could be detected.
  • FIG 11 shows an MST experiment.
  • concentration of RED labeled (via the Snap tag) S protein monomer (20 nM) has been kept constant, while the concentration of non-labeled coffeine was varied between "0.5 pM - 0.2 nM" arbitrary units in the presence of ACE2.
  • the assay was performed in PBS containing 0.05 % Tween20 and 50 % negative human serum #SK (the titration of the ligand was performed in the negative serum (SK)). After a short incubation the samples were loaded into MonolithTM NT.115 premium capillaries and the MST analysis was performed using a Monolith NT.115. Concentrations on the x-axis are plotted in nM. No binding could be detected.
  • Figure 12 shows an MST experiment. Therein the concentration of RED labeled (via the Snap tag) S protein monomer (20 nM) has been kept constant, while the concentration of non-labeled L-Arabinose was varied between “0.5 mM - 0.2 nM” arbitrary units.
  • the assay was performed in PBS containing 0.05 % Tween20 and 50 % negative human serum #SK (the titration of the ligand was performed in the negative serum (SK)). After a short incubation the samples were loaded into MonolithTM NT.115 premium capillaries and the MST analysis was performed using a Monolith NT.115. Concentrations on the x-axis are plotted in nM. No binding could be detected.
  • Figure 13 shows the binding of monoclonal SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies to RBD- peptide (triplicate measurement).
  • Figure 14 shows the binding of human and mouse monoclonal SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies to SNAP-RBD monomer SNAP-RBD trimer (duplicate measurements).
  • Figure 15 shows an enhancement of binding of SARS-CoV-2 binding antibody sera
  • Figure 15 A shows the median elevation in form of the change in percent of binding enhancement of serum antibodies concerning the binding to SARS-COV-02 RBD-protein in comparison to saliva control without chitosan
  • Figure 15 B shows the median elevation in form of the change in percent of binding enhancement of serum antibodies concerning the binding to SARS-COV-02 RBD-protein in comparison to saliva control without chitosan.
  • Figure 16 schematically depicts chitosan interacting with viruses and cell surfaces under pharynx mucosa, in effect reducing the infection rate. This schematic picture does not take into account any real size relations.
  • Figure 17 panel upper left shows tubes in which teabags are treated with PBS buffer (pH 2, 80°C for 3 minutes) for dissolving chitosan, as described in Example 4.
  • Figure 17 panel upper right shows precipitation of the chitosan using NaOH after the dissolution from the tea by the buffer; K: control, CIT: chitosan pellet obtained by precipitation with NaOH after dissolution from tea with buffer.
  • Figure 17 panel lower left shows precipitation of chitosan using NaOH after dissolution with a buffer from candy; K: control, CIT: chitosan pellet obtained by precipitation with NaOH after dissolution from candy with buffer.
  • Figure 18 shows the results of releasing chitosan from tea with PBS buffer (pH 2, 80°C for 3 minutes), as described in Example 4.
  • Figure 19 shows the results of releasing chitosan from candy into saliva by chewing and sucking, and release into PBS buffer for comparison, as described in Example 5.
  • Figure 20 depicts the results of further experiments for releasing chitosan from candy into saliva by chewing and sucking, as described in Example 5.
  • Figure 21 compiles the results of releasing chitosan from tea by buffer treatment of Figure 19, and the results of releasing chitosan from candy into saliva samples and buffer according to Figure 20. Further, figure 21 depicts chitosan release into buffer from another candy, i.e. a coffee bonbon.
  • the term "at least" preceding a series of elements is to be understood to refer to every element in the series.
  • the term “at least one” refers to one or more such as one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten and more.
  • the term “about” means plus or minus 20%, preferably plus or minus 10%, more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 1%.
  • Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed b- (1 4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit). It is made, for example, by treating the chitin shells of shrimp and/or other crustaceans with an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide. Chitosan is produced commercially by deacetylation of chitin, which is the structural element in the exoskeleton of crustaceans (such as crabs and shrimp) and cell walls of fungi.
  • crustaceans e.g. shrimps
  • fungi fungi
  • mushrooms or insects
  • chitosan produced by biotechnological fabrication methods can be used.
  • the degree of deacetylation (%DD) can be determined by NMR spectroscopy, and the %DD in commercial chitosans ranges from 30 to 100%.
  • the molecular weight of commercially produced chitosan is 2000 to 3000000 daltons.
  • a common method for the treating of chitosan is the deacetylation of chitin using sodium hydroxide in excess as a reagent and water as a solvent.
  • chitosan can be characterized by the following general formula:
  • any chitosan known to a person skilled in the art can be used.
  • a chitosan which can be used in any embodiment of this specification may have a molecular weight of above 2000 Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight of above 10000 Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight of above 20000 Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight of above 30000 Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight of above 50000 Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight below 3000000 Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight below 2000000 Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight below 1000000 Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight below 500000Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight below 250000 Da.
  • the chitosan may have a molecular weight of below 100000 Da.
  • the chitosan has a molecular weight of from 20000 to 460000 Da.
  • an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da may be used; decreasing the molecular mass of chitosan leads to an increase of the solubility in water and/or alkaline solution.
  • a chitosan used in any embodiment of this specification may have a degree of deacetylation of 60% or more.
  • the chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of 70% or more.
  • the chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • the chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of 90% or more.
  • the chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of 95% or more.
  • the chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of from 35% to 55%.
  • the chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of from 40% to 50%.
  • chitosan having a medium degree of acetylation, e.g. of 40 to 50% has an increased solubility in water, even under mildly basic conditions, e.g. up to pH 9.
  • chitosan may be formulated with an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, and/or a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid may lower the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form by protonation so that solubility of the chitosan in water can be increased. Accordingly, any composition described herein comprising chitosan may further comprise an acid.
  • a salt of chitosan may be used. Any salt of chitosan may be used. A person skilled in the art knows to select suitable salts of chitosan for the purposes described herein.
  • the salt of chitosan may be a biocompatible salt of chitosan. A person skilled in the art knows to select a salt of chitosan which is biocompatible.
  • the salt of chitosan is not particularly limited and may include, as illustrative, non-limiting examples, a lactate, an acetate, a hydrochloride, a fumarate, a citrate, a maleate, a malate, an ascorbate or a tartrate of chitosan.
  • the salt of chitosan may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt of chitosan may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt of chitosan may be chitosan hydrochloride. Salts of chitosan are usually well-soluble in water.
  • a salt of chitosan used in any embodiment of this specification may have a molecular weight of above 2000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight of above 10000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight of above 20000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight of above 30000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight of above 50000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight below 3000000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight below 2000000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight below 1000000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight below 500000Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight below 250000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a molecular weight of below 100000 Da.
  • the salt of chitosan has a molecular weight of from 20000 to 460000 Da.
  • a salt of an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da may be used.
  • a salt of chitosan used in any embodiment of this specification may have a degree of deacetylation of 60% or more.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of 70% or more.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of 90% or more.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of 95% or more.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of from 35% to 55%.
  • the salt of chitosan may have a degree of deacetylation of from 40% to 50%.
  • chitosan from any source may be used.
  • chitosan can be supplied as dried powder, e.g. freeze dried or spray dried.
  • chitosan from animal sources can be used.
  • chitosan from fungi may be used.
  • chitosan from fungi provides a vegan version listed as GRAS in the United States. Accordingly, in any embodiment of the present specification a vegan chitosan may be used, e.g. in a chewing gum.
  • chitosan may also include synthetic or semi-synthetic derivatives of chitosan, or salts thereof. Accordingly, the chitosan may be a synthetic or semi-synthetic derivative of chitosan, or a salt thereof. Such derivatives may be modified at the amino groups.
  • chitosan polymer HTCC or a salt thereof may be used, which is obtainable by reacting chitosan with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride.
  • a chitosan polymer obtainable by further substituting amino groups of HTCC with hydrophobic groups may be used; as an example, HM-HTCC or a salt thereof may be used, which is obtainable by modifying amino groups of HTCC with n-dodecyl groups.
  • HM-HTCC see, for example, Kaminski K. et al. (2010), Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 53, pages 4141-4147, or WO 2013/172725, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
  • a positively charged chitosan derivative or a salt thereof such as e.g.
  • N-palmitoyl-N- monomethyl-N,N-dimethyl-N,N,N-trimethyl-6-0-glycolchitosan may be used as a chitosan derivative.
  • Other derivatives of chitosan which may be contemplated for the purposes described herein, can be obtained by modifying the amino and/or hydroxy groups to provide, e.g., O-modified chitosan (modified at a hydroxy group), N-modified chitosan (modified at an amino group), or N, O-modified chitosan (modified at both an amino and a hydroxy group).
  • the amino and/or hydroxy groups may be modified partially.
  • modified chitosan are phosphorylated, alkylated, benzylated, trimethylated, carboxymethylated, N-succinylated, thiolated, azidated, oxychitin, fluorinated, and sugar-modified chitosan.
  • the chitosan may be also part of a composite, e.g. part of a composite or complex with another polysaccharide, such as e.g. a composite or complex of chitosan with starch, alginate, pectin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and/or hyaluronic acid.
  • the chitosan may be covalently linked to a carbohydrate, e.g. to another mono-, oligo- or polysaccharide; e.g., chitosan bound to glucose, galactose or mannose.
  • the chitosan may form part of a macromolecular composite or heteropolymer; e.g., chitosan may form part of a heteropolymer with another polysaccharide.
  • the chitosan may be modified with a synthetic polymer or copolymer, e.g. chitosan grafted with a polyethyleneimine or poly(meth)acrylate polymer.
  • chitosan bound to a peptide, polypeptide or protein.
  • Derivatives of chitosan are generally known to a person skilled in the art, and the skilled person will readily select a derivative of chitosan suitable for the purposes of the present disclosure.
  • Chitosan and derivatives of chitosan are described, e.g., in M.S.R. Rajoka et al. , Chitin/chitosan derivatives and their interactions with microorganisms: a comprehensive review and future perspectives, Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1713719; S. Ahmed, S.
  • the chitosan is used as such and not as a derivative of chitosan, or a salt thereof. Accordingly, in some embodiments the chitosan is not a derivative of chitosan or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the chitosan is not HTCC or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the chitosan is not HM-HTCC or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the chitosan is not N-palmitoyl-N-monomethyl-N,N-dimethyl-N,N,N- trimethyl-6-O-glycolchitosan (GCPQ) or a salt thereof.
  • GCPQ N-palmitoyl-N-monomethyl-N,N-dimethyl-N,N,N- trimethyl-6-O-glycolchitosan
  • a “particle” or “particles”, whenever described herein, in general refers to a particle or a plurality of particles having a size between 1 nm (nanometer) and 10 mm (millimeter), e.g. having a size between 1 nm and 8 mm, or e.g. having a size between 1 nm and 2 mm, or e.g. having a size between 1 nm and 1 mm ( 1000 pm).
  • the terms “particle” and “particles”, i.e. the singular and plural form, can be used interchangeably throughout this specification. Any particle known to a person skilled in the art may be used for the purposes of the present specification.
  • the term “particle” or “particles”, as used herein, may include microparticles or nanoparticles.
  • microparticles may have a size between 0.1 pm and 1000 pm.
  • Nanoparticles may have a size between 1 nm and 1000 nm.
  • particles described herein may have a size between 1 mm and 10 mm, e.g. between 1 mm and 8 mm, e.g. between 1 mm and 5 mm, or e.g. between 1 mm and 2 mm.
  • particle or “particles” may include a co-agglomerate of particles; for example, described herein is, inter alia, a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co agglomerate of nanoparticles.
  • a “microparticle” or “microparticles”, whenever described herein, refers to a particle or a plurality of particles having a size between 0.1 and 1000 pm.
  • the terms “microparticle” and “microparticles”, i.e. the singular and plural form, can be used interchangeably throughout this specification.
  • a microparticle may have a size of from 0.3 to 950 pm.
  • a microparticle may have a size of from 0.5 to 700 pm.
  • a microparticle may have a size of from 0.7 to 300 pm.
  • a microparticle may have a size of from 200 to 300 pm.
  • a microparticle may have a size of from 350 to 450 pm.
  • particles more than 5% by weight, more than 10% by weight, more than 20% by weight, more than 30% by weight, more than 40% by weight, more than 50% by weight, more than 60% by weight, more than 70% by weight, more than 80% by weight, or even more than 90% by weight, based on 100% of the weight of the total amount of the particles, have a particle size falling within any one of the foregoing ranges.
  • a microparticle or microparticles may be produced by a conventional drying process, e.g. freeze drying, spray drying or similar methods. Such methods usually result in a broad range of the particle size distribution.
  • Other methods in particular processes for preparing microparticles as supplied by SolyPlus GmbH, Haselund, Germany, contemplate preparation of microparticles (and also composite microparticles) via a solid form, followed by grinding or cryogenic grinding. By such methods, larger particle sizes, e.g. of from 200 to 300 pm or from 350 to 450 pm can be achieved, and/or narrower particle size distributions. Further separation can be achieved, e.g.
  • microparticles by sieving, if desired.
  • processes can be used as described in WO 2019/073361, WO 2019/073362, WO 2019/073363 and WO 2019/073364, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
  • Another method of preparing microparticles comprises increasing the size of particles, which can be employed as a particle powder.
  • fluid bed granulation can be used for increasing the particle size.
  • fluid bed granulation can be also used to prepare a co-agglomerate of microparticles.
  • chitosan and another polymer obtained by increasing the size of a microparticle, e.g. by treating a microparticle comprising a first polymer with a second polymer (e.g., a second polymer in solution) to increase its size, as e.g. described in the following.
  • a second polymer e.g., a second polymer in solution
  • different components can be applied in the fluid bed and be incorporated in the co-agglomerate, e.g. two different biopolymers.
  • a fluid bed granulation equipment is feeded with hyaluronic acid microparticles; to the fluid bed there is added (e.g.
  • microparticles can be used which (1) are prepared by a conventional drying processes, (2) are obtained by fluid bed granulation, and/or (3) are prepared by a grinding process or cryogenic grinding process from solid biopolymer materials, e.g. applying processes described herein above and below.
  • microparticles and co-agglomerates of microparticles may comprise chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • microparticles and co-agglomerates of microparticles may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer, e.g. hyaluronic acid.
  • nanoparticle refers to a particle or a plurality of particles having a size between 1 and 1000 nm.
  • a nanoparticle may have a size of from 1 to 500 nm.
  • a nanoparticle may have a size of from 1 to 100 nm.
  • a nanoparticle may have a size of from 150 to 800 nm. Any nanoparticle known to a person skilled in the art may be used for the purposes of the present specification.
  • a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles is also described herein.
  • the structure or composition of a co agglomerate of nanoparticles may be analogous or similar to the composition of a co agglomerate of microparticles, as described herein, but with a smaller size.
  • Nanoparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles can be produced by any suitable method, such as e.g. by analogous or similar methods as described herein for the production of microparticles or co agglomerates of microparticles.
  • chitosan interacts with viruses and bacteria, mucosa components, which are mainly of negative electric charge and the adjacent cell membrane surface, e.g. via electrostatic interaction. This interaction allows that the chitosan inhibits entry of viruses and bacteria into the host cell.
  • the present invention relates to a composition for use in preventing an infection, or treating an infection, or treating a disease caused by an infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the infection is a virus, bacterial, protozoan, or mycotic infection. More preferably, the infection is a virus infection.
  • the present invention relates to a composition for use in preventing an infection by a virus or bacterium, or treating a virus or bacterial infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus or bacterial infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention relates to a composition for use in preventing an infection by a protozoan or fungus, or treating a protozoan or mycotic infection, or treating a disease caused by a protozoan or mycotic infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention relates to a composition for use in preventing an infection by a virus, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in treating a virus infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in treating a disease caused by a virus infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • Exemplary viruses for the use in preventing an infection by a virus, or treating a virus infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus, as disclosed herein may be selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • viruses may be selected from the group consisting of influenza A, HIV-1; hepatitis A, B, C; HPV; EBV; norovirus; herpes simplex; cytomegalovirus; WSSV; RSV; plant virus like; TMV; AMV; TNV; BYMV; PSV; FMV; PVX; acute bee paralyisi virus; IAPV; chronic bee paralysis virus; varroa vectored virus; and in general any RNA and DNA virus.
  • Infection with any virus or bacterium to which the compound (chitosan or salt thereof, galactose, mannose and/or caffeine) can bind can be prevented and/or treated.
  • Illustrative viruses and bacteria include viruses and bacteria inducing diseases in humans, animals, bees and/or plants.
  • any possible subunit of a virus or part of a virus or virion which is able exert an infection are also examples for the use in preventing an infection by a virus, or treating a virus infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus as disclosed herein.
  • any possible mutation of a virus which may develop, in particular during virus and host contact and interaction, or evolutionary alteration of a virus are also examples for the use in preventing an infection by a virus, or treating a virus infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus as disclosed herein.
  • the virus is a respiratory virus.
  • the virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, more preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • a coronavirus more preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • the virus is a coronavirus.
  • the family of coronaviridae comprises an alphacoronavirus, a betacoronavirus, a deltacoronavirus, a gammacoronavirus, or an alphaletovirus.
  • the coronavirus is a human-pathogenic coronavirus. More preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is a betacoronavirus. Even more preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-Cov-1.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-1.
  • the human- pathogenic coronavirus may be MERS-CoV.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose or caffeine is able to bind to the RBD peptide of the Spike (S-) protein of SARS-CoV-2. Due to the binding to the RBD peptide, chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose or caffeine inhibits binding of the virus to the ACE2 receptor on the host cell. Thus, infection of the host cell by SARS-CoV-2 is inhibited by chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose or caffeine.
  • the disease caused by a virus infection to be treated by any one of the uses and methods described herein may be any disease caused by a virus, for example, a disease caused by a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • the disease is selected from the group consisting of COVID-19, MERS and SARS.
  • the disease may be SARS.
  • the disease may be MERS.
  • the disease is COVID-19.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in preventing an infection by a bacterium, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in treating a bacterial infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in treating a disease caused by a bacterial infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • Exemplary bacteria for the use in preventing an infection by a bacterium, or treating a bacterial infection, or treating a disease caused by a bacterium, as described herein, may be selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, Streptococcus spec., Haemophilus spec., Bordetella spec., Bacillus spec., Corynebacterium spec., Neisseria spec., Chlamydophila spec., Mycoplasma spec., and Fusobacterium spec.
  • the bacterium is a bacterium, which affects the respiratory tract.
  • such bacterium is also denoted as a respiratory bacterium.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in preventing an infection by a protozoan, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in treating a protozoan infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in treating a disease caused by a protozoan infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • Exemplary protozoa for the use in preventing an infection by a protozoan, or treating a protozoan infection, or treating a disease caused by a protozoa, as described herein, may be selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, organism which are formerly classified in the Kingdom Protozoa, that are now classified in the supergroups Excavata, Amoebozoa, SAR, and Archaeplastida.
  • Distinct examples of protozoa causing a protozoan infection are selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, Giardia intestinalis, Hexamita salmonis, Histomonas meleagridis, Trichomonas foetus, Dientamoeba fragilis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Leishmania, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei rhodensiense, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, Entamoeba histolytica, Naeglaria, Acanthomoeba, Phytophthora infestans, Balantidium Coli, Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in preventing an infection by a fungus, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in treating a mycotic infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition for use in treating a disease caused by a mycotic infection, the composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • Exemplary fungi for the use in preventing an infection by a fugus, or treating a mycotic infection, or treating a disease caused by a fungus, as described herein, may be selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, Candida albicans, Candida stellatoidea, C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. guilliermondii, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus clavatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus laurentii, Cryptococcus albidus, C. neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, Pneumocystis jirovecii, and Stachybotrys chartarum.
  • any one of the uses and methods described herein may in general comprise contacting a bodily fluid with the composition.
  • the bodily fluid may be blood, saliva and a mucous secretion.
  • the virus or bacterium is respiratory virus or bacterium, such as e.g. the virus SARS-CoV-2
  • any one of the uses and methods described herein may comprise contacting the composition with saliva and/or a mucous secretion.
  • the bodily fluid may be saliva.
  • the bodily fluid may be a mucous secretion.
  • the virus or bacterium is a respiratory virus or bacterium, such as e.g.
  • the mucous secretion is a nasal secretion and/or a bronchial secretion.
  • the composition is for use in preventing an infection by a respiratory virus or bacterium, such as e.g. the virus SARS-CoV-2
  • the composition is preferably delivered to saliva or a mucous secretion of the respiratory tract, e.g. by spraying or gargling, as respiratory viruses after entering the human body are typically present in such bodily fluids.
  • any one of the uses and methods described herein may comprise contacting a mucosa with the composition.
  • the virus is a respiratory virus or bacterium, such as e.g.
  • the mucosa may be selected from the group consisting of mucosa of the nose, mucosa of the pharynx, mucosa of the mouth, and mucosa of the bronchia. Accordingly, the mucosa may be mucosa of the nose. The mucosa may be mucosa of the pharynx. The mucosa may be mucosa of the mouth. The mucosa may be mucosa of the bronchia.
  • any one of the uses and methods described herein may comprise contacting a skin or surface with the composition.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a skin e.g. the skin of humans, or any surface can be treated with any composition described herein, for any one of the uses and methods described herein.
  • any one of the uses and methods described herein may comprise contacting a wound or a burn with the composition.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a wound or a burn e.g. a wound or a burn of human skin
  • the composition comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • Any one of the compositions described herein can be used in any one of the uses and methods described herein. Accordingly, in particular, any one of the compositions described herein can be used in any one of the uses and methods for preventing an infection by a virus, a bacterium, a protozoan, or a fungus, or treating a virus, bacterial, protozoan, or mycotic infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus, bacterial, protozoan, or mycotic infection as described herein throughout this specification.
  • any one of the compositions described herein can be used in any one of the uses and methods for preventing an infection by a virus or treating a virus infection or treating a disease caused by a virus infection as described herein throughout this specification; more preferably wherein the virus is SARS-CoV-2; and/or more preferably wherein the disease is COVID-19.
  • the compound may be caffeine.
  • the compound may be mannose.
  • the compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the composition may further comprise an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid may lower the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water can be increased.
  • the composition is a solid composition.
  • a solid composition may be in the form of a powder, particles, a tablet, a pill, a capsule, etc.
  • the term “solid composition”, whenever used throughout this specification, may also include semi-solid compositions, such as e.g. gels, creams, pastes, ointments, salves, etc.
  • the composition may be a substantially pure preparation of the compound or the combination thereof.
  • the composition may comprise, as illustrative examples, 1% or more, 5% or more, 10 or more, 20% or more, 50% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the compound or the combination thereof.
  • the composition is a liquid composition.
  • the composition is an edible composition.
  • Any edible composition known to a person skilled in the art may be contemplated, such as e.g. any edible composition as described herein throughout this specification, e.g. a food or beverage.
  • an edible composition is digestible.
  • the compound e.g. chitosan or a salt thereof, is released from the composition and/or contacted with the virus, bacterium, protozoan or fungus, e.g. the virus SARS-CoV-2.
  • the virus, bacterium, protozoan or fungus e.g.
  • the virus SARS-CoV-2 is then bound by the compound or the combination thereof, will be swallowed, and is then inactivated in the stomach by gastric acid. Accordingly, infection with the virus or bacterium is prevented.
  • the compound may bind to the virus, bacterium, protozoan or fungus, e.g. SARS-CoV-2, so that binding of the virus to the ACE2 receptor on the host cell is prevented and no infection can take place.
  • such mechanism can be used for the treating of a virus, bacterial, protozoan or mycotic infection, e.g.
  • a disease caused by a virus, bacterial, protozoan or mycotic infection e.g. COVID-19.
  • the adsorption of chitosan to the surface of a virus, a bacterium, protozoan or fungus does not only prevent or inhibit the successful contact to target cells of the submucosa, but it also provides time to activate the own defense mechanisms of the body.
  • the composition may be a composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration. Any composition known for oral, nasal or bronchial administration may be contemplated. Accordingly, the composition may be a composition for intranasal or inhaled administration, e.g. local administration to the respiratory tract and/or the bronchia. Also, as illustrative examples, the composition may be a spray or solution for gargling.
  • the virus or bacterium e.g. SARS-CoV-2
  • the chain of infection is interrupted.
  • such mechanism can be used for the treating of a virus, bacterial, protozoan or mycotic infection, e.g. with SARS-Cov-2, and/or for the treating of a disease caused by a virus or bacterial infection, e.g. COVID-19.
  • composition may be a pharmaceutical composition.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises the compound or combination thereof and may optionally further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or stabilizer, such as those described in Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences 16 th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980), or 23 rd edition (2020) provided that they do not adversely affect the desired characteristics of the formulation.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carrier means any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, compatible with pharmaceutical administration. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art.
  • Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed and include: additional buffering agents; preservatives; co-solvents; antioxidants, including ascorbic acid and methionine; chelating agents such as EDTA; metal complexes (e.g., Zn-protein complexes); biodegradable polymers, such as polyesters; salt forming counterions, such as sodium, polyhydric sugar alcohols; amino acids, such as alanine, glycine, asparagine, 2-phenylalanine, and threonine; sugars or sugar alcohols, such as lactitol, stachyose, mannose, sorbose, xylose, ribose, ribitol, myoinisitose, myoinisitol, galactose, galactitol, glycerol, cyclitols (e.g., inositol), polyethylene glyco
  • the composition is a dietary supplement.
  • a dietary supplement refers to a manufactured product intended to supplement one's diet.
  • the dietary supplement may be in form of a pill, capsule, tablet, powder or liquid.
  • the dietary supplement may be a chewing gum; e.g., any chewing gum as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the dietary supplement is suitable for being added to a beverage.
  • the beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g.
  • the beverage to which the dietary supplement is added may be tea; e.g. any tea as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the beverage may be coffee.
  • the beverage may be juice (e.g. a fruit juice).
  • the beverage may be lemonade.
  • the beverage may be milk.
  • the beverage may be cola.
  • the beverage may be a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt).
  • the beverage may be a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet.
  • the beverage may be an alcoholic beverage, e.g. beer or wine.
  • the beverage to which the dietary supplement can be added is a tea; e.g. any tea as described herein throughout this specification. More preferably, the dietary supplement which can be added to a tea comprises chitosan or a salt thereof. Any tea can be contemplated; e.g. an alkaline tea (also known as basen tea or basic tea), a fruit tea, a green tea, a black tea, or a herbal tea. Preferably, the tea is an alkaline tea or a fruit tea. As used herein throughout this specification, the term “alkaline tea” in general refers to a tea, which after preparation with water results in a tea which has an alkaline pH, such as e.g.
  • alkaline teas are generally known; e.g., an alkaline tea may comprise various herbs.
  • an acid may be further added to the tea.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid. Accordingly, e.g., lemon juice may be added to the tea.
  • compositions which are solid, and also edible, may be selected from the group consisting of a chewing gum, a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, a chocolate, and a composition for preparing a beverage (e.g. a coffee composition, a tea composition, a sherbet powder, or an effervescent tablet).
  • the composition may be a chewing gum; e.g. any chewing gum as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a candy; e.g. any candy as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a fruit gum.
  • the composition may be a chocolate.
  • the composition may be a composition for preparing a beverage.
  • the composition may be a coffee composition (e.g.
  • composition comprising coffee, and further ingredients, e.g. milk powder, flavoring agents, and/or sweeteners, etc.).
  • the composition may be a tea composition (e.g. a composition comprising tea leaves, or other components for a tea, e.g. fruit, and further ingredients, flavoring agents, and/or sweeteners, etc.); e.g. any tea composition as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a sherbet powder.
  • the composition may be an effervescent tablet.
  • the composition is a candy; e.g. any candy as described herein throughout this specification.
  • Any candy can be contemplated, as illustrative, non-limiting examples the candy may be e.g. a fruit candy, such as e.g. lemon drops, berry drops or cherry drops, or a fruit gum, or a coffee candy, or any bonbon.
  • the candy comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the candy may further contain an acid.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid.
  • the composition is a tea composition; e.g. any tea composition as described herein throughout the present specification. More preferably, the tea composition comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the tea composition may be a tea composition comprised in a tea bag. Any tea composition can be contemplated, e.g. an alkaline tea (also known as basen tea or basic tea), a fruit tea, a green tea, a black tea, or a herbal tea.
  • the tea composition is an alkaline tea or a fruit tea.
  • alkaline tea in general refers to a tea composition, which after preparation with water results in a tea which has an alkaline pH, such as e.g. a pH > 7; alkaline teas are generally known; e.g., an alkaline tea may comprise various herbs.
  • the tea composition may further contain an acid.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid.
  • an acid may be added to the tea before or after preparation with water; e.g., lemon juice may be added to the tea before or after preparation, e.g. to a cup of tea.
  • the composition is a chewing gum. Any chewing described throughout this specification can be used.
  • the chewing gum comprises the compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound may be caffeine.
  • the compound may be mannose.
  • the compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the compound e.g. chitosan or a salt thereof
  • the compound binds to the virus, bacterium, protozoan or fungus, e.g. SARS-CoV-2
  • the compound may bind to the virus or bacterium, e.g. SARS- CoV-2, so that binding of the virus to the ACE2 receptor on the host cell is prevented and so no infection can take place.
  • such mechanism can be used for the treating of a virus, bacterial, protozoan or mycotic infection, e.g. with SARS-Cov-2, and/or for the treating of a disease caused by a virus, bacterial, protozoan or mycotic infection, e.g. COVID-19.
  • the chewing gum may comprise chitosan and an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid lowers the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water is increased.
  • the composition, which comprises the compound or the combination thereof may be a beverage, as an example for a liquid composition.
  • the beverage may be selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. a drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • the beverage which comprises the compound or the combination thereof may be tea; e.g. any tea as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the beverage may be coffee.
  • the beverage may be juice (e.g. a fruit juice).
  • the beverage may be lemonade.
  • the beverage may be milk.
  • the beverage may be cola.
  • the beverage may be a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt).
  • the beverage may be a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet.
  • the beverage may be an alcoholic beverage, e.g. beer or wine.
  • the beverage is a tea. More preferably, the tea comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • Any tea can be contemplated, e.g., any tea as described herein throughout this specification; e.g. an alkaline tea (also known as basen tea or basic tea), a fruit tea, a green tea, a black tea, or a herbal tea.
  • the tea is an alkaline tea or a fruit tea.
  • the tea may further contain an acid.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid.
  • the composition is or comprises a sustained delivery system.
  • the sustained delivery system is an oral or buccal sustained delivery system.
  • the drug delivery system may comprise a drug delivery implant, e.g. a refillable drug delivery implant.
  • implantable devices may be contemplated for this purpose, e.g. a dental prothesis or a prosthesis fixation glue material.
  • the composition is or comprises a solid or semi-solid dosage form.
  • the composition is selected from the group consisting of a film, a layered structure of films, a tablet, a capsule, a gel body (e.g. a gel for application in the oral cavity), a chewing gum, a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, and a chocolate.
  • the composition may be a film.
  • the composition may be a layered structure of films.
  • the composition may be a tablet.
  • the composition may be a capsule.
  • the composition may be a gel body (e.g. a gel for application in the oral cavity).
  • the composition may be a chewing gum; e.g. any chewing gum as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a candy; e.g., any candy as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a bonbon.
  • the composition may be a fruit gum.
  • the composition may be a chocolate.
  • any one of the compositions described herein may comprise a particle.
  • the particle is a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • compositions described herein may comprise a co-agglomerate of particles.
  • the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles; more preferably the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate. The salt may be chitosan acetate. The salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is a co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprising any combination of the foregoing compounds. The salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co- agglomerate of microparticles, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as chain length or molecular weight.
  • proteins polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, album
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, or the co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, may be comprised in a liquid or semi-solid composition.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, or the co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoaprticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, is suspended in a liquid or semi-solid composition.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticles, or co-agglomerate of particles, preferably co-agglomerate of microparticles or co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably co-agglomerate of microparticles, is comprised, in particular suspended, in a composition for spraying or gargling, a mouth rinse, a gel for application to the oral cavity, a nose spray, a nose oil, a nose drop formulation, and a nasal irrigation formulation.
  • the composition may be a composition for spraying or gargling.
  • the composition may be a mouth rinse.
  • the composition may be a gel for application to the oral cavity.
  • the composition may be a nose spray.
  • the composition may be a nose oil.
  • the composition may be a nose drop formulation.
  • the composition may be a nasal irrigation formulation.
  • the particle or co-agglomerate of particles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, may comprise hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle, preferably a microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, or the co-agglomerate, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles may be comprised in a composition suitable for treating a surface or skin.
  • the composition suitable for treating a surface or skin is selected from the group consisting of a disinfectant, a skin-caring composition (e.g.
  • the composition may be a disinfectant.
  • the composition may be a skin-caring composition.
  • the skin-caring composition may comprise any cosmetic system or principle which permits the delivery of chitosan or a salt thereof or a derivative thereof.
  • the composition may be a lotion.
  • the composition may be a cream.
  • the composition may be a gel.
  • the composition may be a spray.
  • the composition may be a salve.
  • the composition may be an ointment.
  • the composition may be a powder.
  • the composition may be a soap.
  • the composition may be a liquid soap.
  • the composition may be a detergent formulation.
  • the composition may be a laundry detergent formulation.
  • the composition may be a dish detergent formulation.
  • the particle or co-agglomerate of particles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, may comprise hyaluronic acid, preferably, when the composition is a composition suitable for treating skin, e.g. a skin-caring composition, such as e.g. a lotion or cream.
  • a use of the composition suitable for treating a surface or skin may comprise contacting the surface or skin with the composition suitable for treating a surface or skin.
  • the composition may be comprised in a solid mixture for manufacturing a nasal irrigation solution, a nose drop solution, a nose oil formulation, a solution for spraying or gargling, a mouth rinse, a gel for application to the oral cavity, or a beverage.
  • the composition may be in form of a particle, preferably a microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 60% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 70% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 90% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 95% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 35% to 55%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 40% to 50%.
  • the chitosan or salt thereof may have a molecular weight of from 20000 Da to 460000 Da.
  • the composition may comprise an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da, or a salt of an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da.
  • the present invention also relates to a non-medical use of a composition for preventing an infection, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the infection is a virus, bacterial, protozoan or mycotic infection. More preferably, the infection is a virus infection.
  • the present invention also relates to a non-medical use of a composition for preventing an infection by a virus, bacterium, protozoan or fungus, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a non-medical use of a composition for preventing an infection by a virus, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a non-medical use of a composition for preventing an infection by a bacterium, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a non-medical use of a composition for preventing an infection by a protozoan, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a non-medical use of a composition for preventing an infection by a fungus, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the composition is a solid composition.
  • the composition may be a liquid composition.
  • the virus may be any virus defined herein.
  • the virus is a respiratory virus.
  • the virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • the coronavirus may be a human- pathogenic coronavirus.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is a betacoronavirus.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-2.
  • the human- pathogenic coronavirus may be MERS-CoV.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-1.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • any possible subunit of a virus or part of a virus or virion which is able exert an infection are also examples for the non-medical use in preventing an infection by a virus, as disclosed herein.
  • any possible mutation of a virus which may develop, in particular during virus and host contact and interaction, or evolutionary alteration of a virus are also examples for the non-medical use in preventing an infection by a virus, as disclosed herein.
  • the use comprises contacting a bodily fluid with the composition.
  • the bodily fluid is saliva or a mucous secretion.
  • the mucous secretion may be a nasal secretion or a bronchial secretion.
  • the use may comprise contacting a mucosa with the composition.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the nose.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the pharynx.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the mouth.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the use may comprise contacting a skin or surface with the composition.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a skin e.g. the skin of humans, or any surface can be treated with any composition described herein, for any one of the uses and methods described herein.
  • the use may comprise contacting a wound or a burn with the composition.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a wound or a burn e.g. a wound or a burn of human skin
  • Method of preventing an infection e.g. an infection by a virus or bacterium, or treating an infection, e.g. a virus or bacterial infection, or treating a disease caused by an infection, e.g. a disease caused by a virus or bacterial infection
  • the present invention also relates to a method of preventing an infection, or treating an infection, or treating a disease caused by an infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of preventing an infection by a virus or bacterium, or treating a virus or bacterial infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus or bacterial infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of preventing an infection by a protozoan or fungus, or treating a protozoan or mycotic infection, or treating a disease caused by a protozoan or mycotic infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the infection is a virus or bacterial infection. More preferably, the infection is a virus infection.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of preventing an infection by a virus by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a virus infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a disease caused by a virus infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the composition is a solid composition.
  • the composition may be a liquid composition.
  • the virus may be any virus defined herein.
  • the virus is a respiratory virus. More preferably, the virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • the coronavirus may be a human- pathogenic coronavirus. Even more preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is a betacoronavirus.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-2.
  • the human- pathogenic coronavirus may be MERS-CoV.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-1. Most preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2. In any one of the methods, the disease may be SARS. The disease may be MERS. Most preferably, the disease is COVID-19.
  • any possible subunit of a virus or part of a virus or virion which is able exert an infection are also examples which can be used in the method in preventing an infection by a virus, or treating a virus infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus as disclosed herein.
  • any possible mutation of a virus which may develop, in particular during virus and host contact and interaction, or evolutionary alteration of a virus are also examples which can be used in the method in preventing an infection by a virus, or treating a virus infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus as disclosed herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of preventing an infection by a bacterium by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a bacterial infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a disease caused by a bacterial infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the bacterium may be any bacterium defined herein, preferably a respiratory bacterium.
  • the disease may be any disease caused by a bacterial infection defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of preventing an infection by a protozoan by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a protozoan infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a disease caused by a protozoan infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the protozoan may be any protozoan defined herein.
  • the disease may be any disease caused by a protozoan infection defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of preventing an infection by a fungus by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a mycotic infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a disease caused by a mycotic infection by the use of a composition, wherein the composition is any composition as defined herein.
  • the fungus may be any fungus defined herein.
  • the disease may be any disease caused by a mycotic infection defined herein.
  • the method comprises contacting a bodily fluid with the composition.
  • the bodily fluid is saliva or a mucous secretion.
  • the mucous secretion may be a nasal secretion or a bronchial secretion.
  • the method may comprise contacting a mucosa with the composition.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the nose.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the pharynx.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the mouth.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the method may comprise contacting a skin or surface with the composition.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria, may be found on skin or a surface. Accordingly, a skin, e.g. the skin of humans, or any surface can be treated with any composition described herein, for any one of the uses and methods described herein.
  • the method may comprise contacting a wound or a burn with the composition.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a wound or a burn e.g. a wound or a burn of human skin
  • the present invention also relates to a chewing gum comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound in the chewing gum the compound may be caffeine.
  • the compound may be mannose.
  • the compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the chewing gum may further comprise an acid.
  • the chewing gum may comprise chitosan and an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid lowers the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water is increased.
  • the chewing gum may comprise a particle.
  • the particle is a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle.
  • the particle e.g. a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • a particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, comprising any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • the chewing gum may comprise a co-agglomerate of particles.
  • the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles; more preferably, the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate. The salt may be chitosan acetate. The salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is a co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprising any combination of the foregoing compounds. The salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as chain length or molecular weight.
  • proteins polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, album
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or nanoparticles, more preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • any chitosan or salt thereof, as described herein, can be used in the chewing gum.
  • chitosan from animals or fungi may be used.
  • a vegan chitosan e.g. chitosan from fungi
  • a vegan chitosan e.g. chitosan from fungi
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 60% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 70% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 90% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 95% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 35% to 55%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 40% to 50%.
  • the chitosan or salt thereof has a molecular weight of from 20000 Da to 460000 Da.
  • the chewing gum may comprise an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da, or a salt of an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da.
  • the chewing gum may comprise the compound, in particular chitosan or a salt thereof, in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the chewing gum.
  • the chewing gum may comprise the compound, in particular chitosan or a salt thereof, in an amount of 0.2 to 5% by weight of the chewing gum.
  • the chewing gum may comprise the compound, in particular chitosan or a salt thereof, in an amount of 0.3 to 3% by weight of the chewing gum.
  • the chewing gum may comprise the compound, in particular chitosan or a salt thereof, in an amount of 0.4 to 4% by weight of the chewing gum.
  • the indication “by weight of the chewing gum”, whenever used throughout this specification, refers to the total weight of the chewing gum, i.e. 100% by weight of the chewing gum.
  • the chewing gum comprises a gum base in which the further ingredients, in particular the compound of the invention (chitosan or salt thereof, galactose, mannose and/or caffeine), are comprised.
  • Further ingredients may be, as merely illustrative examples, sugar, sweeteners or flavoring agents.
  • the chewing gum may comprise gum base in an amount of 5 to 50% by weight of the chewing gum, 8 to 40% by weight of the chewing gum or 10 to 30% by weight of the chewing gum.
  • composition of gum base formulations can vary substantially depending on the particular product to be prepared and on the desired masticatory and other sensory characteristics of the final product.
  • typical ranges (% by weight) of the ingredients in the gum base matrix are: 5 to 80% by weight elastomeric compounds, 5 to 80% by weight elastomer plasticizers, 0 to 40% by weight of waxes, 5 to 35%) by weight softener, 0 to 50% by weight filler, and 0 to 5%> by weight of miscellaneous ingredients such as antioxidants, colorants, etc.
  • the gum base may comprise about 5 to about 95 percent, by weight, of the chewing gum, more commonly the gum base comprises 10 to about 60 percent, by weight, of the gum.
  • Elastomers provide the rubbery, cohesive nature to the gum, which varies depending on this ingredient's chemical structure and how it may be compounded with other ingredients.
  • Elastomers suitable for use in the gum base and gum of the present invention may include natural or synthetic types.
  • Elastomer plasticizers vary the firmness of the gum base. Their specificity on elastomer inter- molecular chain breaking (plasticizing) along with their varying softening points cause varying degrees of finished gum firmness and compatibility when used in base. This may be important when one wants to provide more elastomeric chain exposure to the alkane chains of the waxes.
  • the elastomers (rubbers) employed in the gum base may vary depending upon various factors such as the type of gum base desired, the texture of gum composition desired and the other components used in the composition to make the final chewing gum product.
  • suitable polymers in gum bases include both natural and synthetic elastomers.
  • those polymers which are suitable in gum base compositions include, without limitation, natural substances (of vegetable origin) such as chicle gum, natural rubber, crown gum, nispero, rosidinha, jelutong, perillo, niger gutta, tunu, balata, guttapercha, lechi capsi, sorva, gutta kay, and the like, and mixtures thereof.
  • methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymers may be added.
  • synthetic elastomers include, without limitation, styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBR), polyisobutylene, isobutylene- isoprene copolymers, polyisoprene, polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate- vinyl laureate copolymer and the like, and mixtures thereof.
  • Natural resins may be used according to embodiments of the invention and may be natural rosin esters, often referred to as ester gums including as examples glycerol esters of partially hydrogenated rosins, glycerol esters of polymerised rosins, glycerol esters of partially dimerized rosins, glycerol esters of tally oil rosins, pentaerythritol esters of partially hydrogenated rosins, methyl esters of rosins, partially hydrogenated methyl esters of rosins, pentaerythritol esters of rosins, synthetic resins such as terpene resins derived from alpha- pinene, beta-pinene, and/or d-limonene, and natural terpene resins.
  • ester gums including as examples glycerol esters of partially hydrogenated rosins, glycerol esters of polymerised rosins, glycerol
  • the resin comprises terpene resins, e.g. derived from alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and/or d-limonene, natural terpene resins, glycerol esters of gum rosins, tall oil rosins, wood rosins or other derivatives thereof such as glycerol esters of partially hydrogenated rosins, glycerol esters of polymerized rosins, glycerol esters of partially dimerised rosins, pentaerythritol esters of partially hydrogenated rosins, methyl esters of rosins, partially hydrogenated methyl esters of rosins or pentaerythritol esters of rosins and combinations thereof.
  • terpene resins e.g. derived from alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and/or d-limonene
  • natural terpene resins e.g. derived from alpha-
  • Gum bases are typically prepared by adding an amount of the elastomer, elastomer plasticizer and filler, and on occasion a vinyl polymer, to a heated (10°C - 120°C) sigma blade mixer with a front to rear speed ratio of from about 1.2: 1 to about 2: 1 , the higher ratio typically being used for gum base which requires more rigorous compounding of its elastomers.
  • said chewing gum comprises said gum base and one or more chewing gum ingredients.
  • said chewing gum ingredients are selected from the group consisting of bulk sweeteners, flavors, dry-binders, tabletting aids, anti- caking agents, emulsifiers, antioxidants, enhancers, absorption enhancers, buffers, high intensity sweeteners, softeners, colors, or any combination thereof.
  • the bulk portion comprises a generally water-soluble part comprising a range of chewing gum additives.
  • the term "chewing gum additive” is used to designate any component, which in a conventional chewing gum manufacturing process is added to the bulk portion.
  • the major proportion of such conventionally used additives is water soluble, but water-insoluble components, such as e.g. water- insoluble flavoring compounds, can also be included.
  • chewing gum additives include bulk sweeteners, high intensity sweeteners, flavoring agents, softeners, emulsifiers, coloring agents, binding agents, acidulants, fillers, antioxidants and other components such as pharmaceutically or biologically active substances, conferring desired properties to the finished chewing gum product.
  • Suitable bulk sweeteners include both sugar and non-sugar sweetening components.
  • Bulk sweeteners typically constitute from about 5 to about 95% by weight of the chewing gum, more typically about 20 to about 80%) by weight such as 30 to 70% or 30 to 60% by weight of the gum.
  • Useful sugar sweeteners are saccharide-containing components commonly known in the chewing gum art including, but not limited to, sucrose, dextrose, maltose, dextrins, trehalose, D-tagatose, dried invert sugar, fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup solids, and the like, alone or in combination.
  • Sorbitol can be used as a non-sugar sweetener.
  • Other useful non-sugar sweeteners include, but are not limited to, other sugar alcohols such as mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, maltitol, isomalt, erythritol, lactitol, inulin and the like, alone or in combination.
  • High intensity artificial sweetening agents can also be used alone or in combination with the above sweeteners.
  • Preferred high intensity sweeteners include, but are not limited to sucralose, aspartame, salts of acesulfame, alitame, saccharin and its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, glycyrrhizin, dihydrochalcones, thaumatin, monellin, stevioside and the like, alone or in combination.
  • usage level of the artificial sweetener will vary considerably and will depend on factors such as potency of the sweetener, rate of release, desired sweetness of the product, level and type of flavor used and cost considerations.
  • the active level of artificial sweetener may vary from about 0.001 to about 8% by weight (preferably from about 0.02 to about 8% by weight).
  • the usage level of the encapsulated sweetener will be proportionately higher.
  • Combinations of sugar and/or non sugar sweeteners can be used in the chewing gum composition processed in accordance with the invention.
  • the softener may also provide additional sweetness such as with aqueous sugar or alditol solutions.
  • the chewing gum comprises one or more chewing gum ingredients selected from the group consisting of bulk sweeteners, flavors, dry-binders, tabletting aids, anti-caking agents, emulsifiers, antioxidants, enhancers, absorption enhancers, buffers, or any combination thereof.
  • Further useful chewing gum base include antioxidants, e.g. butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butyl hydroxyanisol (BHA), propylgallate and tocopherols, and preservatives.
  • antioxidants e.g. butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butyl hydroxyanisol (BHA), propylgallate and tocopherols, and preservatives.
  • a gum base formulation may, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, comprise one or more softening agents e.g. sucrose esters, tallow, hydrogenated tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, cocoa butter, degreased cocoa powder, glycerol monostearate, glyceryl triacetate, lecithin, mono-, di- and triglycerides, acetylated monoglycerides, lanolin, sodium stearate, potassium stearate, glyceryl lecithin, propylene glycol monostearate, glycerine, fatty acids (e.g. stearic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids) and combinations thereof.
  • softening agents e.g. sucrose esters, tallow, hydrogenated tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, cocoa butter, degreased cocoa powder, glycerol monostearate, glyceryl tri
  • softener designates an ingredient, which softens the gum base or chewing gum composition and encompasses waxes, fats, oils, emulsifiers, surfactants and solubilisers. Softeners are typically used in an amount of 0 to 18% by weight, preferably 0 to 12% by weight of the gum base.
  • Useful emulsifiers can include, but are not limited to, glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate, mono- and diglycerides of edible fatty acids, lactic acid esters and acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of edible fatty acids, acetylated mono and diglycerides, sugar esters of edible fatty acids, Na-, K-, Mg- and Ca-stearates, lecithin, hydroxylated lecithin and the like and mixtures thereof are examples of conventionally used emulsifiers which can be added to the chewing gum base.
  • the formulation may comprise certain specific emulsifiers and/or solubilisers in order to disperse and release the active ingredient.
  • Waxes and fats are conventionally used for the adjustment of the texture and for softening of the chewing gum base when preparing chewing gum bases.
  • any conventionally used and suitable type of natural and synthetic wax and fat may be used, such as for instance rice bran wax, polyethylene wax, petroleum wax (refined paraffin and microcrystalline wax), sorbitan monostearate, tallow, propylene glycol, paraffin, beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, cocoa butter, degreased cocoa powder and any suitable oil or fat, as e.g. completely or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils or completely or partially hydrogenated animal fats.
  • a chewing gum base may, if desired, include one or more fillers/texturisers including as examples, magnesium and calcium carbonate, sodium sulphate, ground limestone, silicate compounds such as magnesium and aluminum silicate, kaolin and clay, aluminum oxide, silicium oxide, talc, titanium oxide, mono-, di- and tri-calcium phosphates, cellulose polymers, such as wood, and combinations thereof.
  • said chewing gum comprises a biodegradable gum base polymer.
  • the chewing gum may further comprise at least one delivery vehicle and/or excipient selected from the group consisting of lactose anhydrous or monohydrate, povidone, microcystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium croscaramellose, magnesium stearate, E171 , E172, mannitol, sodium laurylsulphate, ipromellose, methacrylic acid copolymer, macrogol, magnesium stearate, gelatine, saccharose, starch, sorbitol, flavours, sodium saccharine, colloidal silica, titanium dioxide, maltitol syrup, gum arabic, glycerol, aspartame, hydrogenated vegetal oil, sorbitol, citric acid, pectin, caramel, sucrose and methylcellulose.
  • at least one delivery vehicle and/or excipient selected from the group consisting of lactose anhydrous or monohydrate, povidone, microcystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium
  • the chewing gum may comprise flavorings.
  • the chewing gum may comprise a thickener, e.g. gum arabic.
  • the chewing gum may comprise a humectant, e.g. glycerol.
  • the chewing gum may comprise sorbitols, isomalt, maltitols, xylitol, acesulfame K, and/or sucralose.
  • the chewing gum may comprise further ingredients, e.g. zinc or a salt of zinc.
  • the chewing gum may comprise zinc.
  • the chewing gum may comprise a salt of zinc, e.g. zinc acetate.
  • the chewing gum is sugar-free.
  • a sugar-free gum is made with polyalcohols, usually called polyols, replacing the sugars used in standard gum formulation; these are, for example, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, isomalt, lactitol and xylitol.
  • polyalcohols usually called polyols
  • a sugar-free gum does not comprise glucose syrup.
  • a typical, merely illustrative, formulation of a sugar-free chewing gum which does not yet include the amounts of the compound of the invention (chitosan or salt thereof, galacatose, mannose, and/or caffeine) may comprise gum base (24.00% by weight of the weight of the chewing gum), mannitol (0 to 5.00% by weight of the chewing gum), maltitol syrup (for example, 85% by weight solids) (7.00 to 12.00% by weight of the chewing gum), sorbitol solution (for example, 70% by weight) (0.00 to 10.00% by weight of the chewing gum), glycerine (1.00 to 6.00% by weight of the chewing gum), xylitol powder (0.00 to 10.00% by weight of the chewing gum), flavor (1.00 to 1.50% by weight of the chewing gum), encapsulated flavors (0.20 to 2.00% by weight of the chewing gum), fruit acid (optional) (1.00% by weight of the chewing gum), color (0.03% by weight of the chewing gum
  • the chewing gum may be provided with an outer coating (also called glazing) selected from the group consisting of hard coating, soft coating and edible film-coating or any combination thereof.
  • the outer coating may be or may comprise carnauba wax. Accordingly, carnauba way may be used as glazing agent for the chewing gum.
  • the chewing gum may have the form of a tablet, a dragee (e.g. a pillow shape dragee), a cube, a round gum, or a stick (e.g. a ministick).
  • the chewing gum may be a tablet, or a dragee.
  • the chewing gum comprises sorbitols, isomalt, maltitols, xylitol, acesulfame K, sucralose, gum base, flavourings, glycerol, gum Arabic, chitosan, zinc acetate, and carnauba wax (glazing agent).
  • the chewing gum may further comprise citric acid.
  • the chewing gum may be prepared by any method of preparing a chewing gum known to a person skilled in the art, applying, as mere examples and non-limiting, mixing, kneading and/or melting.
  • the chewing gum can be batch mixed, or the chewing gum can be extruded.
  • gum base may be prepared through a melting and straining or filtering process.
  • other ingredients such as nutritive and non nutritive sweeteners and flavors may be added to the gum base until the warm mixture thickens like dough.
  • the gum base mixture can be heated during this mixing process in order to increase the entropy of the polymers to achieve a more uniform dispersion of ingredients.
  • extrusion technology may be implemented to smooth, form, and shape the gum.
  • the gum may go through a shaping process. For example, cut and wrap (chunk or cube) pieces are severed straight out of the extruder using a vertical cutter. Sheeting is a technique often used for stick, slab and tab gums.
  • gum may be either conditioned by being sprinkled with a powdered polyol or coated via the application of subsequent layers of coating using temperature-controlled coating basins before it is sent to packaging.
  • the chewing gum may be for any one of the uses described herein, or may be used in any one of the uses or methods described herein. Accordingly, the chewing gum may be for use in preventing an infection by a virus or bacterium, in particular preventing an infection with SARS-CoV-2. Also, the chewing gum may be for use in treating a virus or bacterial infection, e.g. with SARS-CoV-2, and/or may be for use in treating a disease caused by a virus or bacterial infection, e.g. COVID-19.
  • the present invention also relates to an edible composition
  • a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof may be chitosan or a salt of chitosan.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the edible composition may further comprise an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid may lower the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water can be increased.
  • the edible composition may be a solid composition.
  • the edible composition may be a liquid composition.
  • the edible composition may be a dietary supplement.
  • the edible composition may be a food.
  • the edible composition may be a beverage.
  • the edible composition is selected from the group consisting of a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, a chocolate, a chewing gum, and a composition for preparing a beverage (e.g. a coffee composition, a tea composition, a sherbet powder, an effervescent tablet).
  • the edible composition may be a candy; e.g., any candy as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the edible composition may be a bonbon.
  • the edible composition may be a fruit gum.
  • the edible composition may be a chocolate.
  • the edible composition may be a chewing gum; e.g., any chewing gum as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the edible composition may be a composition for preparing a beverage.
  • the edible composition may be a coffee composition.
  • the edible composition may be a tea composition; e.g., any tea composition as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the edible composition may be a sherbet powder.
  • the edible composition may be an efferv
  • the edible composition is a candy; e.g. any candy as described herein throughout this specification.
  • Any candy can be contemplated, as illustrative, non-limiting examples the candy may be e.g. a fruit candy, such as e.g. lemon drops, berry drops or cherry drops, or a fruit gum, or a coffee candy, or any bonbon.
  • the candy comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the candy may further contain an acid.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid.
  • the edible composition is a tea composition; e.g. any tea composition as described herein throughout this specification. More preferably, the tea composition comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the tea composition may be a tea composition comprised in a tea bag. Any tea composition can be contemplated, e.g. an alkaline tea (also known as basen tea or basic tea), a fruit tea, a green tea, a black tea, or a herbal tea.
  • the tea composition is an alkaline tea or a fruit tea.
  • alkaline tea in general refers to a tea composition, which after preparation with water results in a tea which has an alkaline pH, such as e.g. a pH > 7; alkaline teas are generally known; e.g., an alkaline tea may comprise various herbs.
  • the tea composition may further contain an acid.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid.
  • an acid may be added to the tea before or after preparation with water; e.g., lemon juice may be added to the tea before or after preparation, e.g. to a cup of tea.
  • the edible composition is a beverage selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • the edible composition is tea; e.g. any tea as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the edible composition is coffee.
  • the edible composition is juice.
  • the edible composition is lemonade.
  • the edible composition is milk.
  • the edible composition is cola.
  • the edible composition is a drinkable milk product.
  • the edible composition is drinkable yoghurt.
  • the edible composition is a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet.
  • the edible composition is an alcoholic beverage, e.g. beer or wine.
  • the beverage is a tea. More preferably, the tea comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • Any tea can be contemplated, e.g., any tea as described herein throughout this specification; e.g. an alkaline tea (also known as basen tea or basic tea), a fruit tea, a green tea, a black tea, or a herbal tea.
  • the tea is an alkaline tea or a fruit tea.
  • the tea may further contain an acid.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid.
  • the edible composition may comprise a particle.
  • the particle is a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably the particle is a microparticle.
  • the particle, preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • the edible composition may comprise a co-agglomerate of particles
  • the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoaprticles, more preferably the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate. The salt may be chitosan acetate. The salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is a co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprising any combination of the foregoing compounds. The salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as chain length or molecular weight.
  • proteins polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, album
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 60% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 70% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 90% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 95% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 35% to 55%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 40% to 50%.
  • the chitosan or salt thereof has a molecular weight of from 20000 Da to 460000 Da.
  • the edible composition may comprise an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da, or a salt of an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000Da.
  • the edible composition may be for any one of the uses described herein, or may be used in any one of the uses or methods described herein.
  • composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration
  • the present invention also relates to a composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration, the composition comprising a particle, wherein the particle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof. Accordingly, the particle comprises chitosan or a salt of chitosan.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration, the composition comprising a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, wherein the microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the microparticle or nanoparticle, preferably microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt of chitosan.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the composition may further comprise an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid may lower the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water can be increased.
  • composition may be suitable for oral administration.
  • composition may be suitable for nasal administration.
  • composition may be suitable for bronchial administration.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • the edible composition may comprise a co-agglomerate of particles.
  • the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles; more preferably, the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate. The salt may be chitosan acetate. The salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is a co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprising any combination of the foregoing compounds. The salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as chain length or molecular weight.
  • proteins polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, album
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 60% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 70% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 90% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 95% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 35% to 55%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 40% to 50%.
  • the chitosan or salt thereof has a molecular weight of from 20000 Da to 460000 Da.
  • the composition may comprise an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da, or a salt of an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da.
  • the composition may be a solid composition.
  • the composition may be a liquid composition.
  • the composition is selected from the group consisting of a composition for spraying or gargling, a mouth rinse, a gel for application to the oral cavity, a nose spray, a nose oil, a nose drop formulation, and a nasal irrigation formulation.
  • the composition may be a composition for spraying or gargling.
  • the composition may be a mouth rinse.
  • the composition may be a gel for application to the oral cavity.
  • the composition may be a nose spray.
  • the composition may be a nose oil.
  • the composition may be a nose drop formulation.
  • the composition may be a nasal irrigation formulation.
  • composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration may be for any one of the uses described herein, or may be used in any one of the uses or methods described herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a sustained delivery system comprising chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the sustained delivery system comprises chitosan or a salt of chitosan.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the sustained delivery system may further comprise an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid may lower the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water can be increased.
  • the sustained delivery system an oral or buccal sustained delivery system.
  • the sustained delivery system comprises a solid or semi-solid dosage form.
  • the sustained delivery system may be selected from the group consisting of a film, a layered structure of films, a tablet, a capsule, a gel body (e.g. a gel for oral cavity), a chewing gum, a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, and a chocolate.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a film.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a layered structure of films.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a tablet.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a capsule.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a gel body.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a gel for oral cavity.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a chewing gum; e.g., any chewing gum as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a candy; e.g. any candy as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a bonbon.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a fruit gum.
  • the sustained delivery system may be a chocolate.
  • the sustained delivery system may comprise a particle, preferably a microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, wherein the particle, preferably a microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate. The salt may be chitosan acetate. The salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is a particle, preferably a microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, comprising any combination of the foregoing compounds. The salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle, preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, preferably a microparticle, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • the sustained delivery system may comprise a co-agglomerate of particles.
  • the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co agglomerate of nanoparticles; more preferably, the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate. The salt may be chitosan acetate. The salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is a co agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprising any combination of the foregoing compounds. The salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co- agglomerate of microparticles, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as chain length or molecular weight.
  • proteins polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, album
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 60% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 70% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 90% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 95% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 35% to 55%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 40% to 50%.
  • the chitosan or salt thereof has a molecular weight of from 20000 Da to 460000 Da.
  • the sustained delivery system may comprise an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da, or a salt of an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000Da.
  • the sustained delivery system may be for any one of the uses described herein, or may be used in any one of the uses or methods described herein.
  • composition suitable for treating a surface or skin suitable for treating a surface or skin, method of treating surface or skin, and use thereof
  • the present invention also relates to a composition suitable for treating a surface of skin, the composition comprising a particle, wherein the particle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof. Accordingly, the particle comprises chitosan or a salt of chitosan.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the present invention also relates to a composition suitable for treating a surface or skin, the composition comprising a microparticle or a nanoparticle, preferably a microparticle, wherein the microparticle or nanoparticle, preferably a microparticle, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the microparticle or nanoparticle, preferably a microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt of chitosan.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the composition may further comprise an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid may lower the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water can be increased.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as chain length
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle, preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, further to chitosan or a salt thereof comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • hyaluronic acid is preferred when the composition is a composition suitable for treating skin, e.g. a skin-caring composition; e.g. any skin-caring composition described herein, such as e.g. a lotion or cream.
  • the composition may comprise a co-agglomerate of particles.
  • the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles; more preferably, the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate. The salt may be chitosan acetate. The salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is a co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprising any combination of the foregoing compounds. The salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the co-agglomerate particles preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co agglomerate of nanoparticles, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as chain length or molecular weight.
  • proteins polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, album
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • hyaluronic acid is preferred when the composition is a composition suitable for treating the skin, e.g. a skin-caring composition; e.g. any skin-caring composition described herein, such as e.g. a lotion or cream.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 60% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 70% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 90% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 95% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 35% to 55%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 40% to 50%.
  • the chitosan or salt thereof has a molecular weight of from 20000 Da to 460000 Da.
  • the composition may comprise an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da, or a salt of an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da.
  • the composition suitable for treating a surface or skin may be selected from the group consisting of a disinfectant, a skin-caring composition (e.g. a lotion, a cream, a gel, a spray, a salve, an ointment or a powder), a soap (e.g. a liquid soap), and a detergent formulation (e.g. a laundry detergent formulation or a dish detergent formulation).
  • a disinfectant e.g. a lotion, a cream, a gel, a spray, a salve, an ointment or a powder
  • a soap e.g. a liquid soap
  • a detergent formulation e.g. a laundry detergent formulation or a dish detergent formulation.
  • the composition suitable for treating a surface or skin may be a disinfectant.
  • the composition may be a skin-caring composition.
  • the skin-caring composition may comprise any cosmetic system or principle which permits the delivery of chitosan or a salt thereof or a derivative thereof.
  • the composition may be a gel.
  • the composition may be a spray.
  • the composition may be a salve.
  • the composition may be an ointment.
  • the composition may be a powder.
  • the composition may be a soap.
  • the composition may be a liquid soap.
  • the composition may be a detergent formulation.
  • the composition may be a laundry detergent formulation.
  • the composition may be a dish detergent formulation.
  • composition suitable for treating a surface or skin may be for any one of the uses described herein, or may be used in any one of the uses or methods described herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a surface or skin, the method comprising contacting the surface or skin with the composition for treating a surface or skin of the invention.
  • the method comprises inactivating a virus, bacterium, protozoan, or fungus.
  • the method may comprise inactivating a virus.
  • the method may comprise inactivating a bacterium.
  • the method may comprise inactivating a protozoan.
  • the method may comprise inactivating a fungus.
  • the virus, bacterium, protozoan, or fungus may be any virus, bacterium, protozoan or fungus defined herein.
  • the method comprises inactivating a virus, such as e.g. SARS-CoV-2.
  • the virus is a respiratory virus. More preferably, the virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] Accordingly, the coronavirus may be a human-pathogenic coronavirus. Even more preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is a betacoronavirus.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-2.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be MERS-CoV.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-1. Most preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • the present invention also relates to a use of a composition for treating a surface or skin of the invention for inactivating a virus, bacterium, protozoan or fungus.
  • the use comprises contacting the surface or skin with the composition for treating a surface or skin of the invention.
  • the use may be for inactivating a virus.
  • the use may be for inactivating a bacterium.
  • the use may be for inactivating a protozoan.
  • the use may be for inactivating a fungus.
  • the virus, bacterium, protozoan or fungus may be any virus, bacterium, protozoan or fungus defined herein.
  • the use is for inactivating a virus, such as e.g. SARS-CoV-2.
  • the virus is a respiratory virus. More preferably, the virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] Accordingly, the coronavirus may be a human-pathogenic coronavirus. Even more preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is a betacoronavirus.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-2.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be MERS-CoV.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-1. Most preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • the use may be a non-medical use.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies, the method comprising contacting a fluid that contains a virus and virus neutralizing antibodies, wherein the virus neutralizing antibodies bind to said virus, with a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the fluid is a bodily fluid.
  • the bodily fluid may be selected from the group consisting of blood, saliva and a mucous secretion.
  • the bodily fluid may be saliva.
  • the bodily fluid may be blood.
  • the bodily fluid may be a mucous secretion.
  • the mucous secretion may be a nasal secretion and/or a bronchial secretion.
  • the composition is preferably delivered to saliva or a mucous secretion of the respiratory tract, as respiratory viruses, such as e.g. SARS-CoV-2, after entering the human body are typically present in such bodily fluids.
  • any method known to a person skilled in the art may be used for contacting the bodily fluid with the compound or combination thereof, as merely illustrative examples spraying, gargling, drinking a beverage, eating an edible composition, chewing a chewing gum, injecting or infusing into a blood vessel, etc.
  • the method may comprise contacting a mucosa with the compound.
  • the mucosa may be selected from the group consisting of mucosa of the nose, mucosa of the pharynx, mucosa of the mouth, and mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the nose.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the pharynx.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the mouth.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the method may comprise contacting a skin of surface with the compound.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a skin e.g. the skin of humans, or any surface can be treated with any compound described herein, for any one of the uses and methods described herein.
  • the method may comprise contacting a wound or a burn with the compound.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a wound or a burn e.g. a wound or a burn of human skin
  • viruses which can be used in the method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies may be selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus
  • an influenza virus a parainfluenza virus
  • a rhinovirus a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • RSV respiratory syncytial virus
  • an adenovirus an orthomyxivirus
  • Epstein-Barr virus Epstein-Barr virus
  • herpes virus e.g. herpes simplex
  • measles virus e.g. herpes
  • viruses may be selected from the group consisting of influenza A, HIV-1; hepatitis A, B, C; HPV; EBV; norovirus; herpes simplex; cytomegalovirus; WSSV; RSV; plant virus like; TMV; AMV; TNV; BYMV; PSV; FMV; PVX; acute bee paralyisi virus; IAPV; chronic bee paralysis virus; varroa vectored virus; and in general any RNA and DNA virus.
  • Infection with any virus or bacterium to which the compound (chitosan or salt thereof, galactose, mannose and/or caffeine) can bind can be prevented and/or treated.
  • Illustrative viruses, bacteria, protozoan, and fungi include viruses, bacteria, protozoan, and fungi inducing diseases in humans, animals, bees and/or plants.
  • any possible subunit of a virus or part of a virus or virion which is able exert an infection are also examples which can be used in the method increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies as disclosed herein.
  • any possible mutation of a virus which may develop, in particular during virus and host contact and interaction, or evolutionary alteration of a virus are also examples which can be used in the method increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies as disclosed herein.
  • the virus is a respiratory virus.
  • the virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, more preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • the virus is a coronavirus.
  • the family of coronaviridae comprises an alphacoronavirus, a betacoronavirus, a deltacoronavirus, a gammacoronavirus, or an alphaletovirus.
  • the coronavirus is a human-pathogenic coronavirus. More preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is a betacoronavirus. Even more preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-Cov-1.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-1.
  • the human- pathogenic coronavirus may be MERS-CoV.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • the method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies may be a method of treating a virus infection or treating a disease caused by a virus infection.
  • the disease caused by a virus infection may be any disease caused by a virus, for example, a disease caused by a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a disease caused by a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus
  • the disease is selected from the group consisting of COVID-19, MERS and SARS.
  • the disease may be SARS.
  • the disease may be MERS.
  • the disease is COVID-19.
  • the compound is selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the compound may be caffeine. The compound may be mannose. The compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies may comprise contacting the fluid that contains the virus and virus neutralizing antibodies with a composition that contains the compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • a composition that contains the compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof can be used in any one of the uses and methods described herein. Accordingly, in particular, any one of the compositions described herein can be used in any one of the uses and methods of increasing the binding of virus-neutralizing antibodies as described herein throughout this specification; preferably wherein the virus is SARS-CoV- 2.
  • the compound is selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound may be caffeine.
  • the compound may be mannose.
  • the compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality. Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds in the composition.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the composition may be a substantially pure preparation of the compound or the combination thereof.
  • the composition may comprise, as illustrative examples, 1% or more, 5% or more, 10 or more, 20% or more, 50% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the compound or the combination thereof.
  • the composition may further comprise an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid may lower the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water can be increased.
  • the composition may be a solid composition. As merely illustrative examples, a solid composition may be in the form of a powder, particles, a tablet, a pill, a capsule, etc.
  • the term “solid composition” also includes semi-solid compositions, such as e.g. gels, creams, pastes, ointments, salves, etc.
  • the composition may be a liquid composition, e.g. a solution.
  • the composition is an edible composition.
  • Any edible composition known to a person skilled in the art may be contemplated, such as e.g. any edible composition disclosed herein throughout this specification, e.g. a food or beverage.
  • an edible composition is digestible.
  • the composition can be contacted with the saliva.
  • the composition may be a composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration. Any composition known for oral, nasal or bronchial administration may be contemplated. Accordingly, the composition may be a composition for intranasal or inhaled administration, e.g. local administration to the respiratory tract and/or the bronchia. Also, as illustrative examples, the composition may be a spray or solution for gargling.
  • composition may be a pharmaceutical composition.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises the compound or combination thereof and may optionally further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or stabilizer, such as those described in Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences 16 th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980), or 23 rd edition (2020) provided that they do not adversely affect the desired characteristics of the formulation.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carrier means any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, compatible with pharmaceutical administration. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art.
  • Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed and include: additional buffering agents; preservatives; co-solvents; antioxidants, including ascorbic acid and methionine; chelating agents such as EDTA; metal complexes (e.g., Zn-protein complexes); biodegradable polymers, such as polyesters; salt forming counterions, such as sodium, polyhydric sugar alcohols; amino acids, such as alanine, glycine, asparagine, 2-phenylalanine, , and threonine; sugars or sugar alcohols, such as lactitol, stachyose, mannose, sorbose, xylose, ribose, ribitol, myoinisitose, myoinisitol, galactose, galactitol, glycerol, cyclitols (e.g., inositol), poly
  • the composition is a dietary supplement.
  • a dietary supplement refers to a manufactured product intended to supplement one's diet.
  • the dietary supplement may be in form of a pill, capsule, tablet, powder or liquid.
  • the dietary supplement may be a chewing gum; e.g. any chewing as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the dietary supplement is suitable for being added to a beverage.
  • the beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g.
  • the beverage to which the dietary supplement is added may be tea; e.g. any tea as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the beverage may be coffee.
  • the beverage may be juice (e.g. a fruit juice).
  • the beverage may be lemonade.
  • the beverage may be milk.
  • the beverage may be cola.
  • the beverage may be a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt).
  • the beverage may be a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet.
  • the beverage may be an alcoholic beverage, e.g. beer or wine.
  • the beverage to which the dietary supplement can be added is a tea; e.g. any tea as described herein throughout this specification. More preferably, the dietary supplement which can be added to a tea comprises chitosan or a salt thereof. Any tea can be contemplated; e.g. an alkaline tea (also known as basen tea or basic tea), a fruit tea, a green tea, a black tea, or a herbal tea. Preferably, the tea is an alkaline tea or a fruit tea. As used herein throughout this specification, the term “alkaline tea” in general refers to a tea, which after preparation with water results in a tea which has an alkaline pH, such as e.g.
  • alkaline teas are generally known; e.g., an alkaline tea may comprise various herbs.
  • an acid may be further added to the tea.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid. Accordingly, e.g., lemon juice may be added to the tea.
  • compositions may be selected from the group consisting of a chewing gum, a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, a chocolate, and a composition for preparing a beverage (e.g. a coffee composition, a tea composition, a sherbet powder, or an effervescent tablet), and a beverage.
  • the composition may be a chewing gum; e.g., any chewing gum as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a candy; e.g., any candy as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a fruit gum.
  • the composition may be a chocolate.
  • the composition may be a composition for preparing a beverage.
  • the composition may be a coffee composition (e.g.
  • composition comprising coffee, and further ingredients, e.g. milk powder, flavoring agents, and/or sweeteners, etc.).
  • the composition may be a tea composition (e.g. a composition comprising tea leaves, or other components for a tea, e.g. fruit, and further ingredients, flavoring agents, and/or sweeteners, etc.); e.g. any tea composition as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a sherbet powder.
  • the composition may be an effervescent tablet.
  • the composition may be a beverage.
  • the edible composition is a candy; e.g. any candy as described herein throughout this specification.
  • Any candy can be contemplated, as illustrative, non-limiting examples the candy may be e.g. a fruit candy, such as e.g. lemon drops, berry drops or cherry drops, or a fruit gum, or a coffee candy, or any bonbon.
  • the candy comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the candy may further contain an acid.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid.
  • the composition is a tea composition; e.g. any tea composition as described herein throughout this specification. More preferably, the tea composition comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the tea composition may be a tea composition comprised in a tea bag. Any tea composition can be contemplated, e.g. an alkaline tea (also known as basen tea or basic tea), a fruit tea, a green tea, a black tea, or a herbal tea.
  • the tea composition is an alkaline tea or a fruit tea.
  • alkaline tea in general refers to a tea composition, which after preparation with water results in a tea which has an alkaline pH, such as e.g. a pH > 7; alkaline teas are generally known; e.g., an alkaline tea may comprise various herbs.
  • the tea composition may further contain an acid.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid.
  • an acid may be added to the tea before or after preparation with water; e.g., lemon juice may be added to the tea before or after preparation, e.g. to a cup of tea.
  • the composition is a chewing gum. Any chewing gum described throughout the present specification can be used.
  • the chewing gum comprises the compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound may be caffeine.
  • the compound may be mannose.
  • the compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the chewing gum may comprise chitosan and an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid lowers the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water is increased.
  • the composition, which comprises the compound or the combination thereof may be a beverage, as an example for a liquid composition.
  • the beverage may be selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. a drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • the beverage which comprises the compound or the combination thereof may be tea; e.g. any tea as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the beverage may be coffee.
  • the beverage may be juice (e.g. a fruit juice).
  • the beverage may be lemonade.
  • the beverage may be milk.
  • the beverage may be cola.
  • the beverage may be a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt).
  • the beverage may be a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet.
  • the beverage may be an alcoholic beverage, e.g. beer or wine.
  • the beverage is a tea. More preferably, the tea comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • Any tea can be contemplated, e.g., any tea as described herein throughout this specification; e.g. an alkaline tea (also known as basen tea or basic tea), a fruit tea, a green tea, a black tea, or a herbal tea.
  • the tea is an alkaline tea or a fruit tea.
  • the tea may further contain an acid.
  • the acid may be any acid as described herein for formulation with chitosan, e.g. citric acid.
  • the composition is selected from the group consisting of a solution, preferably a solution for spraying or gargling, a mouth rinse, a gel for application to the oral cavity, a nose drop formulation, a nose oil formulation, a nose spray, and a nose irrigation formulation.
  • the composition may be a solution, preferably a solution for spraying or gargling.
  • the composition may be a mouth rinse.
  • the composition may be a gel for application to the oral cavity.
  • the composition may be a nose drop formulation.
  • the composition may be a nose oil formulation.
  • the composition may be a nose spray.
  • the composition may be a nose irrigation formulation.
  • the composition is or comprises a sustained delivery system.
  • the sustained delivery system is an oral or buccal sustained delivery system.
  • the drug delivery system may comprise a drug delivery implant, e.g. a refillable drug delivery implant.
  • implantable devices may be contemplated for this purpose, e.g. a dental prothesis or a prosthesis fixation glue material.
  • the composition is or comprises a solid or semi-solid dosage form.
  • the composition is selected from the group consisting of a film, a layered structure of films, a tablet, a capsule, a gel body (e.g. a gel for application in the oral cavity), a chewing gum, a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, and a chocolate.
  • the composition may be a film.
  • the composition may be a layered structure of films.
  • the composition may be a tablet.
  • the composition may be a capsule.
  • the composition may be a gel body (e.g. a gel for application in the oral cavity).
  • the composition may be a chewing gum; e.g., any chewing gum as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a candy; e.g., any candy as described herein throughout this specification.
  • the composition may be a bonbon.
  • the composition may be a fruit gum.
  • the composition may be a chocolate.
  • any one of the compositions described herein may comprise a particle.
  • the particle is a microparticle or a nanoparticle; more preferably, the particle is a microparticle.
  • the particle, preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • compositions described herein may comprise a co-agglomerate of particles.
  • the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles; more preferably the co-agglomerate is a co-agglomerate of microparticles.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the salt may be chitosan lactate. The salt may be chitosan acetate. The salt may be chitosan hydrochloride. Also described herein is a co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, comprising any combination of the foregoing compounds. The salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co agglomerate of microparticles, may comprise a further polymer or biopolymer.
  • the polymer or biopolymer can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following substances or classes of substances: proteins, polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, albumin, alginates, blood plasma proteins, milk proteins, casein, protein-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, pectins, gummi arabicum and other gums, casein, whey proteins, gluten, starch, cellulose, synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, like polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, cell lysates of plants and microorganisms, copolymers and/or derivatives and/or mixtures and/or chemical modifications of said polymers and any combination thereof, with different material parameters such as chain length or molecular weight.
  • proteins polysaccharides, hydrocarbons, nucleic acids, aptamers, collagen, collagen-n-hydroxysuccinimide, fibrin, gelatin, album
  • the polymers may be utilized, for example, as excipients (e.g., for the incorporation and processing of active ingredients), as basic formulation substances (e.g., for cosmetics).
  • the further biopolymer is hyaluronic acid.
  • the co-agglomerate of particles preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, or the co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, may be comprised in a liquid or semi-solid composition.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or a nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, or the co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, is suspended in a liquid or semi-solid composition.
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, or co-agglomerate of particles, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or a co-agglomerate of nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, is comprised, in particular suspended, in a composition for spraying or gargling, a mouth rinse, a gel for application to the oral cavity, a nose spray, a nose oil, a nose drop formulation, and a nasal irrigation formulation.
  • the composition may be a composition for spraying or gargling.
  • the composition may be a mouth rinse.
  • the composition may be a gel for application to the oral cavity.
  • the composition may be a nose spray.
  • the composition may be a nose oil.
  • the composition may be nose drop formulation.
  • the composition may be a nasal irrigation formulation.
  • the particle or co-agglomerate of particles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, may
  • the particle preferably a microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle, or the co-agglomerate, preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles or nanoparticles, more preferably a co-agglomerate of microparticles, may be comprised in a composition suitable for treating a surface or skin.
  • the composition suitable for treating a surface or skin is selected from the group consisting of a disinfectant, a skin-caring composition (e.g. a lotion, a cream, a gel, a spray, a salve, an ointment or a powder), a soap, (e.g. a liquid soap), and a detergent formulation (e.g.
  • the composition may be a disinfectant.
  • the composition may be a skin-caring composition.
  • the skin-caring composition may comprise any cosmetic system or principle which permits the delivery of chitosan or a salt thereof or a derivative thereof.
  • the composition may be a lotion.
  • the composition may be a cream.
  • the composition may be a gel.
  • the composition may be a spray.
  • the composition may be a salve.
  • the composition may be an ointment.
  • the composition may be a powder.
  • the composition may be a soap.
  • the composition may be a liquid soap.
  • the composition may be a detergent formulation.
  • the composition may be a laundry detergent formulation.
  • the composition may be a dish detergent formulation.
  • the particle or co-agglomerate of particles, further to chitosan or a salt thereof, may comprise hyaluronic acid, preferably, when the composition is a composition suitable for treating skin, e.g. a skin-caring composition, such as e.g. a lotion or cream.
  • a use of the composition suitable for treating a surface or skin may comprise contacting the surface or skin with the composition suitable for treating a surface or skin.
  • the composition may be comprised in a solid mixture for manufacturing a nasal irrigation solution, a nose drop solution, a nose oil formulation, a solution for spraying or gargling, a mouth rinse, a gel for application to the oral cavity, or a beverage.
  • the composition may be in form of a particle, preferably a microparticle or nanoparticle, more preferably a microparticle.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 60% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 70% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 90% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of 95% or more.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 30% to 60%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 35% to 55%.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof may have a degree of deacetylation of from 40% to 50%.
  • the chitosan or salt thereof may have a molecular weight of from 20000 Da to 460000 Da.
  • the chitosan may be an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da, or a salt of an oligochitosan having a molecular weight of below 20000 Da.
  • the method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies may be carried out in vivo.
  • the method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies may be carried out in vitro. Accordingly, also disclosed herein is a diagnostic method, the method increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies, and the method comprising contacting a fluid that contains a virus and virus neutralizing antibodies, wherein the virus neutralizing antibodies bind to said virus, with a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof, as disclosed herein.
  • the present invention also relates to a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof for use in a method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies.
  • the inventors could show that in particular low RBD SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies exhibit an enhanced binding with chitosan compared to samples without chitosan. This effect is probably exerted due to a stabilizing of the protein, which consequently may lead to an enhanced antibody binding, in particular of low RBD SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies.
  • low- /medium-/high-binding antibodies have been defined by ELISA detection.
  • the group of low binding antibodies is defined as a group of 10-15% of the weakest binding antibodies
  • the group of medium binding antibodies is defined as a group of 15-80% of the moderate binding antibodies
  • the group of high binding antibodies is defined as a group of greater than 80% of the strongest binding antibodies.
  • the use comprises that the virus neutralizing antibodies bind to said virus.
  • the use usually comprises contacting a fluid that contains a virus and virus neutralizing antibodies with the compound.
  • the fluid is a bodily fluid.
  • the bodily fluid may be selected from the group consisting of blood, saliva and a mucous secretion.
  • the bodily fluid may be saliva.
  • the bodily fluid may be blood.
  • the bodily fluid may be a mucous secretion.
  • the mucous secretion may be a nasal secretion and/or a bronchial secretion.
  • the compound is preferably delivered to saliva or a mucous secretion of the respiratory tract, as respiratory viruses, such as e.g. SARS-CoV-2, after entering the human body are typically present in such bodily fluids.
  • the method may comprise contacting a mucosa with the compound.
  • the mucosa may be selected from the group consisting of mucosa of the nose, mucosa of the pharynx, mucosa of the mouth, and mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the nose.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the pharynx.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the mouth.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the method may comprise contacting a skin of surface with the compound.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a skin e.g. the skin of humans, or any surface can be treated with any compound described herein, for any one of the uses and methods described herein.
  • the method may comprise contacting a wound or a burn with the compound.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a wound or a burn e.g. a wound or a burn of human skin
  • viruses for the use in the method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies may be selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein- Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein- Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • viruses may be selected from the group consisting of influenza A, HIV-1; hepatitis A, B, C; HPV; EBV; norovirus; herpes simplex; cytomegalovirus; WSSV; RSV; plant virus like; TMV; AMV; TNV; BYMV; PSV; FMV; PVX; acute bee paralyisi virus; IAPV; chronic bee paralysis virus; varroa vectored virus; and in general any RNA and DNA virus.
  • Infection with any virus or bacterium to which the compound (chitosan or salt thereof, galactose, mannose and/or caffeine) can bind can be prevented and/or treated.
  • Illustrative viruses, bacteria, protozoan, and fungi include viruses, bacteria, protozoan, and fungi inducing diseases in humans, animals, bees and/or plants. Further, any possible subunit of a virus or part of a virus or virion which is able exert an infection are also examples for the use in the method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies as disclosed herein.
  • any possible mutation of a virus which may develop, in particular during virus and host contact and interaction, or evolutionary alteration of a virus are also for the use in the method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies as disclosed herein.
  • the virus is a respiratory virus.
  • the virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus
  • an influenza virus preferably a rhinovirus
  • the virus is a coronavirus.
  • the family of coronaviridae comprises an alphacoronavirus, a betacoronavirus, a deltacoronavirus, a gammacoronavirus, or an alphaletovirus.
  • the coronavirus is a human-pathogenic coronavirus. More preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is a betacoronavirus. Even more preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-Cov-1.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-1.
  • the human- pathogenic coronavirus may be MERS-CoV.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • the compound for use in the method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies may be a for use in a method of treating a virus infection or treating a disease caused by a virus infection.
  • the disease caused by a virus infection may be any disease caused by a virus, for example, a disease caused by a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a disease caused by a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus
  • the disease is selected from the group consisting of COVID-19, MERS and SARS. Accordingly, the disease may be SARS. The disease may be MERS. Most preferably, the disease is COVID-19.
  • the compound is selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound may be caffeine.
  • the compound may be mannose.
  • the compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality. Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the use may comprise using a composition that contains the compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound is selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound may be caffeine.
  • the compound may be mannose.
  • the compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality. Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds in the composition.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the composition may further comprise an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid may lower the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water can be increased.
  • the composition may be any composition described throughout the present specification.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of treating a patient being infected with a virus, the method comprising contacting a fluid that contains a virus and virus neutralizing antibodies, wherein the virus neutralizing antibodies bind to said virus, with a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof, wherein said compound increases the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies.
  • the fluid is a bodily fluid.
  • the bodily fluid may be selected from the group consisting of blood, saliva and a mucous secretion.
  • the bodily fluid may be saliva.
  • the bodily fluid may be blood.
  • the bodily fluid may be a mucous secretion.
  • the mucous secretion may be a nasal secretion and/or a bronchial secretion.
  • the compound is preferably delivered to saliva or a mucous secretion of the respiratory tract, as respiratory viruses, such as e.g. SARS-CoV-2, after entering the human body are typically present in such bodily fluids.
  • the method may comprise contacting a mucosa with the compound.
  • the mucosa may be selected from the group consisting of mucosa of the nose, mucosa of the pharynx, mucosa of the mouth, and mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the nose.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the pharynx.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the mouth.
  • the mucosa may be mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the method may comprise contacting a skin of surface with the compound.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a skin e.g. the skin of humans, or any surface can be treated with any compound described herein, for any one of the uses and methods described herein.
  • the method may comprise contacting a wound or a burn with the compound.
  • pathogens e.g. viruses and bacteria
  • a wound or a burn e.g. a wound or a burn of human skin
  • Exemplary viruses for the use in the method of treating a patient being infected with a virus may be selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • viruses may be selected from the group consisting of influenza A, HIV-1; hepatitis A, B, C; HPV; EBV; norovirus; herpes simplex; cytomegalovirus; WSSV; RSV; plant virus like; TMV; AMV; TNV; BYMV; PSV; FMV; PVX; acute bee paralyisi virus; IAPV; chronic bee paralysis virus; varroa vectored virus; and in general any RNA and DNA virus.
  • Infection with any virus or bacterium to which the compound (chitosan or salt thereof, galactose, mannose and/or caffeine) can bind can be prevented and/or treated.
  • Illustrative viruses, bacteria, protozoan, and fungi include viruses, bacteria, protozoan, and fungi inducing diseases in humans, animals, bees and/or plants.
  • any possible subunit of a virus or part of a virus or virion which is able exert an infection are also examples for the use in the method of treating a patient being infected with a virus as disclosed herein.
  • any possible mutation of a virus which may develop, in particular during virus and host contact and interaction, or evolutionary alteration of a virus are also examples for the use in the method of treating a patient being infected with a virus as disclosed herein.
  • the virus is a respiratory virus.
  • the virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus
  • an influenza virus preferably a rhinovirus
  • the virus is a coronavirus.
  • the family of coronaviridae comprises an alphacoronavirus, a betacoronavirus, a deltacoronavirus, a gammacoronavirus, or an alphaletovirus.
  • the coronavirus is a human-pathogenic coronavirus. More preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is a betacoronavirus. Even more preferably, the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-Cov-1.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus may be SARS-CoV-1.
  • the human- pathogenic coronavirus may be MERS-CoV.
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • the method of treating a patient being infected with a virus may be a method of treating a virus infection or treating a disease caused by a virus infection.
  • the disease caused by a virus infection may be any disease caused by a virus, for example, a disease caused by a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a disease caused by a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a parainfluenza virus, a rhinovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], an adenovirus, an orthomyxivirus, an Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus (e.g. herpes simplex), and a measles virus.
  • a coronavirus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus
  • the disease is selected from the group consisting of COVID-19, MERS and SARS.
  • the disease may be SARS.
  • the disease may be MERS.
  • the disease is COVID-19.
  • the compound is selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound may be caffeine.
  • the compound may be mannose.
  • the compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality. Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds.
  • the method may comprise contacting the fluid that contains the virus and virus neutralizing antibodies with a composition that contains the compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound is selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound may be caffeine.
  • the compound may be mannose.
  • the compound may be galactose.
  • the compound is chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a salt of chitosan may be selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, and chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt may be chitosan lactate.
  • the salt may be chitosan acetate.
  • the salt may be chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality. Also described herein in accordance with the invention is any combination of the foregoing compounds in the composition.
  • the salt may be in pharmaceutically acceptable quality.
  • the composition may further comprise an acid.
  • the acid is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, any fruit acid, a food acidulant, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid.
  • the acid may lower the pH so that at least part of the chitosan is converted into its cationic form. Accordingly, solubility of the chitosan in water can be increased.
  • composition may be any composition described throughout the present specification.
  • Chitosan solution is applied to mucosa of Pharynx by means of spraying or gargling to achieve a therapeutic dose at Pharynx mucosa.
  • the surface area of the oral cavity is around 200 cm 2 .
  • the added surface area of the different parts of pharynx anatomy covered by mucosa is smaller than this.
  • Chitosan is a carbon hydrate and possesses an extended water binding capacity. Its surface density will be lower than that of proteins.
  • the geometric thickness of mucosa is between about 0.1 and 0.5 millimeter. This results in about 5 cm 3 volume of pharynx mucosa. This is an estimated upper limit value, but good enough for relating the quantitative considerations to.
  • a typical value of the molecular weight of Chitosan is 1 million Dalton. This means 1 microgram is containing about 6 * 10 11 molecules (for a lower molecular weight or an oligochitosan the absolute molecule numbers are larger, respectively)
  • SARS-CoV-2 is successfully achieved after taking up of about 500 viruses more or less simultaneously by the pharynx mucosa (as compared to 100 or less in case of influenca or 5 in case of Norovirus).
  • One SARS-CoV-2 virus may contain a few hundred to thousand spike proteins containing the RBD region in charge for getting into contact with target cells and being part of the genome transfer induction system.
  • a one-time oral delivery which is releasing a load of above 1 microgram to the pharynx mucosa would provide sufficient protective effect for infection with SARS-CoV-2 for a time period of up to about 30 to 50 minutes depending on local physiological activity. This time horizon is derived from experimental results with sustained release systems.
  • Chitosan solution is applied to the upper mucosa and the respiratory tract by means of inhalation or dropwise application to achieve a therapeutic dose at Pharynx and upper respiratory tract.
  • the total dose per application should be limited to 1mg (0.5 mg per nare).
  • This approach could be executed by a nose spray and the release should be adjusted to providing a dose of above 1 microgram Chitosan to nose mucosa and resp. pharynx mucosa. It will result in an efficient protection for at least half an hour.
  • This approach could also be executed by filling sterilized isotonic inhalation solution loaded with chitosan into one-time usage containers that can be inhaled by usage of ultrasonic inhalation devices.
  • Chitosan is incorporated into resp. beverages, like coffee, tea of any composition, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, alcoholic beverages etc.
  • beverages like coffee, tea of any composition, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, alcoholic beverages etc.
  • the incorporation can be done at all temperatures from fridge temperature just above 0°C, over ambient to cooking water temperature. Concentrations outside the given range are still active.
  • the beverages tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, alcoholic beverages
  • Chitosan is applied to mucosa of Pharynx by means of release from oral or buccal sustained delivery systems to achieve and maintain a therapeutic dose at Pharynx mucosa.
  • Chitosan preferred about 2 mg, but not restricted to 2 mg
  • the Chitosan is delivered over a time period of minutes and trapped into the several mucosa areals covering the mouth cavity.
  • oral or buccal sustained delivery systems comprise all kind(s) of solid (Solida) or semisolid (Semisolida) dosage forms which could be, but not restricted to, chewing gums, tablets, capsules, gel bodies, candies, bonbons or oral thin and thick sticky films made of bulk material and/or previously mechanically altered condensed biopolymer material to enhance release times and applied doses.
  • the protection time of these systems is to be calculated by summing roughly the release time from mentioned depots plus time period of efficient protection of already released but surviving Chitosan above critial concentration as given under 1. or 2.
  • Emulsifier Lecithins.
  • the Chitosan amounts can be adapted.
  • Sweeteners Sorbitol, Maltitol Syrup, Isomalt, Sucralose
  • Gum Base Humectant: Glycerol
  • Maltodextrin Maltodextrin
  • Flavorings Emulsifier: Lecithins.
  • Emulsifier Lecithins.
  • Chitosan vegan Chitosan of fungi source or Chitosan of animal source, in both cases the Chitosan can be activated by exposing it transiently to an acid pH and/or an elevated temperature or to a combination of both, or, alternatively to release the chitosan in an active form, with, at least, a tendency to form a cationic appearance.
  • the Chitosan amounts can be adapted.
  • a chewing gum in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises: sweeteners: sorbitols, isomalt, maltitols, xylitol, acesulfame K, sucralose; gum base; flavorings; humectant: glycerol; thickener: gum arabic; chitosan; zinc acetate; glazing agent: carnauba wax.
  • the chewing gum may comprise citric acid as acidity regulator.
  • a chewing gum of 2 g may comprise 20 mg chitosan. 6.
  • oral or buccal sustained delivery systems comprise solid or semisolid dosage forms which could contain but are not limited to composite microparticles, one component of which is Chitosan.
  • Chitosan could be one component of a more complex dosage form.
  • Chitosan is forming a complex with Hyaluronic Acid which could be formulated in a sticky microparticle configuration.
  • the Chitosan dosage is selected to achieve at mucosa target a loading from 1 nanogram per square centimeter to 0.1 microgram per square centimeter, and preferred from 10 nanogram per square centimeter to 0.1 microgram per square centimeter. These doses are preferred but overdose or underdose should still operate satisfying.
  • the dose taken up by mucosa should be arranged between 10 ng per cm 2 and 10 microgram per cm 2 , more preferred between 0.1 microgram per cm 2 and 5 microgram per cm 2 , most preferred between 0.1 microgram per cm 2 and 1 microgram per cm 2 .
  • the delivery systems preferably release Chitosan to maintain the mucosa loading at a selected level for a desired period or periods of time.
  • a sustained Chitosan release could be achieved, for example, by a (refillable) drug delivery implant.
  • a drug delivery implant There are several implantable devices available which could serve for this purpose, for example, functional dental prosthesis, prosthesis fixation glue material.
  • Chitosan solutions for spraying solutions or drinking purposes contain essentially:
  • the spraying solution for oral and nose applications could contain optionally Hyaluronic Acid or any other permissible biopolymer in stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric ratios to Chitosan.
  • sustained release spraying forms can include but are not limited to lipophilic/ non-chitosan-dissolving liquids with dispersed microparticles of different sizes (for example, 5 pm - 950 pm in diameter) of different composition with one ingredient being chitosan. These microparticles can be of a mechanically altered state with comparable composition.
  • An advantage of non-aqueous continuous phase systems is gain in stability of dispersed biopolymers or biopolymer-containing complexes as compared with aqueous systems.
  • the present invention contemplates oral, buccal and bronchial sustained delivery systems comprising systems of solid co-agglomerates of composites of different microparticles with one of the ingredients being Chitosan. Larger particles will impact in the upper respiratory tract while particles of 5pm diameter and smaller will impact in the bronchi delivering Chitosan over a longer period of time.
  • Involved microparticles can consist solely out of chitosan and its water soluble salts or of combinations of chitosan with other biopolymers forming complex composite particles.
  • Fluid Bed Granulation comprises one set of techniques to fabricate this family of complex particles.
  • the Chitosan or Chitosan-containing dosage forms are microparticles or classified microparticles.
  • the microparticle fabrication is achieved by transforming the biopolymer powder into macroscopic solid bodies and subsequent micronization and classification.
  • the present invention contemplates chitosan solutions or suspensions for spraying onto technical or household surfaces or into restricted volumes could contain beside solid or dissolved chitosan itself other ingredients, like alcohols (for example, ethanol, propanol), disinfectants and skin-caring ingredients.
  • alcohols for example, ethanol, propanol
  • disinfectants for example, disinfectants and skin-caring ingredients.
  • microparticles of different sizes of chitosan with/ without other biopolymers can be dispersed in soap bars, liquid soaps and lotions to ensure inactivation of viral contaminations on the skin and avoid smear infections.
  • microparticles of Chitosan or complexes of chitosan with other ingrediences are incorporotated into laundry detergents formulation. They will support antimicrobial effects.
  • Chitosan is incorporated into semisolid gels for application to oral cavity.
  • the released Chitosan from these sticky gel systems is supporting mouth hygiene and anti-gingivitis and paradontosis/paradonditis syndromes.
  • microparticles of different sizes of chitosan can be dispersed in solid salt mixtures to enable simple and easy home manufacturing of nasal irrigation solutions that can also be applied in the oral cavity. Through this way tap water can be turned into Chitosan formulations that can inactivate viral transfection in the upper respiratory tract.
  • Example 1 Measurement of chitosan release from chewing gum
  • the inventors evaluated the effect of chewing of two chewing gum products (236.03 SPF1490 and 236.02 SPF1494) containing 10mg chitosan.
  • the concentration of chitosan in the saliva by having 4 volunteers to chew these two sugarless gum products has been measured.
  • the intention has been to explore the time dependent mechanisms of secretion of chitosan.
  • Saliva samples have been collected before the start of chewing and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5-10 very minute collected, additional 15 min, then collected and then the gum was removed. After 15 min and 30 min without a gum in the mouth, the saliva has again been collected and measured. Volunteers chewed 30-60 times every 1 min.
  • Chitosan has been determined by measurement with Hettich solution. In brief, this has been conducted according the following steps. Nunc Maxisorb 96 well plates were filled with 180 pi buffer pH 6.6 (gentle Ag/Ab elution buffer Prod # 21027 from Therom scientific). 10mg of chitosan salt was dissolved in puffer pH 6.6 (gentle Ag/Ab elution buffer Prod # 21027 from Therom scientific).
  • Standard curves were generated with serial dilutions from 0.9 mg/ml, 0.45 mg/ml, 0.3 mg/ml, 0.15 mg/ml, 0.075 mg/ml; 0.0352 mg/ml (chitosan in PBS or saliva) addition of 5 mI Hettich solution (2.5 g Iodide, 2.5 g of Kl in 90% of ethanol), reaction was measured at wavelength 620nm. 10 mI of each sample was added and 5 mI of Hettich solution (2.5 g Iodide, 2.5 g of Kl in 90% of ethanol) was added. After 10 minutes, reaction was measured at wavelength 620nm. Concentrations were calculated according to standard curve measurement.
  • the mean chitosan level in the first minute of chewing for 236.03 SPF1490 is 4.6mg (mean value) and its release after 6 days (see Figure 1, and Figures 2 A to C) in PBS is 8.7mg. This is 12.4 times higher than the release to be measured after 6 days in the saliva without mechanical stress of chewing. From these data it can be concluded that mechanical stress of chewing enhances the release >10X and that in the saliva the chitosan is degraded constantly even at 4°C, the temperature at which the samples were stored.
  • 70% of the chitosan is released 3 minutes after cryogenic grinding in liquid Nitrogen in 5 ml of PBS.
  • 236.02 SPF149420% of the total chitosan is released also very quickly in 3 minutes after cryogenic grinding in liquid nitrogen in 5 ml of PBS.
  • the mean chitosan level in the first minute of chewing of 236.02 SPF1494 is 2.8 mg per average and its release after 6 days in PBS is 0.5 mg. This is 5.6 times higher than the release to be measured after 6 days in the saliva without mechanical stress of chewing This is 16.1 times lesser than the release of 236.03 SPF1490 to be measured after 6 days in the PBS. Interestingly, the release of 236.03 SPF1490 and 236.02 SPF1494 of chitosan in the saliva after 6 days is nearly the same (0.76 g; 0.69mg).
  • the chitosan level drops than from 2.5 after 5min to 1.4 mg in the 236.02 SPF1494 in the next 5-10 min and another 15 min of chewing it drops to 0.8 -0.7 mg/ml chitosan release.
  • the chitosan level drops than from 2.5 after 5min to 2.1 mg in the 236.03 SPF1490 in the next 5- 10 min and another 15 min of chewing it drops to 1.1 -1.8 mg/ml chitosan release.
  • the inventors tested the chitosan level 15 minutes after chewing in the mouth saliva. No eating and drinking have been allowed. The inventors were still able to measure by average of 1.8 mg/ml chitosan from 236.03 SPF1490 and 0.7 mg/ml from 236.02 SPF1494 after 15 minutes and 0.23mg/ml of 236.03 SPF1490 and 0.0185 mg/ml chitosan from 236.02 SPF1494 in the saliva after last chewing event.
  • the inventors have experimentally demonstrated in a series of experiments that chitosan is efficiently released from the chewing gum during the chewing process. Further, they could experimentally demonstrate that there is chitosan detectable in the oral cavity after 15 and even 20 minutes beyond finishing the chewing process and removing the chewing gum.
  • thermophoretic measurements were performed using Monolith NT.115 device (NanoTemper Technologies, Kunststoff, Germany). Chitosan was bought from a company Kraeber.
  • the recombinant proteins were labelled with the fluorescent dye Cy-5 (SNAP- tag Kit Red nanotemper).
  • Thermophoretic experiments were conducted using Monolith NT.115 (NanoTemper Technologies, Kunststoff, Germany). Recombinant proteins concentration after labelling was measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the labelling efficiency was determined to be 80%.
  • the MST experiment was performed in a buffer containing PBS, pH 7.5.
  • KD value was calculated from ligand concentration-dependent changes in the normalised fluorescence of the rec protein after 14 s of thermophoresis.
  • the assay was performed in triplicates and the values reported were generated through the usage of MO Affinity Analysis software (NanoTemper Technologies).
  • Example 3 ELISA binding assay testing the binding to SARS-COV-02 N-Protein tested with different COVID-19 patient sera via Chitosan lactate
  • the inventors used an ELISA assay.
  • ELISA assay a procedure with the following steps has been conducted by the inventors.
  • the inventors have used a proteintech® ELISA RBD Covid IgG ELISA kit.
  • S-RBD peptide coupled to an ELISA plate has been incubated with buffer without chitosan as control and with chitosan, 10 mg/ml lactate, 1 mg/well in buffer for 1 h at RT on a shaker at 350 rpm with 100 mI/well. Then, a washing step was conducted with 5 times washing with a wash buffer with 400 mI/well. Afterwards, serum of COVID-19 infected patients in a 1:100 in serum dilution buffer has been incubated for 1 h at RT on a shaker at 350 rpm with 100 mI/well. Then, a further washing step has been performed with 3 times washing with a wash buffer with 400 mI/well.
  • the detection antibody in dilution buffer has been incubated for 30 minutes at RT on a shaker at 350 rpm with 100 mI/well.
  • a further washing step has been performed with washing 3 times with wash buffer with 400 mI/well.
  • a developing solution has been incubated for 10 minutes at RT with 100 mI/well.
  • 100 mI/well of a stop solution has been added.
  • the wells have been analysed in a spectrometer with a read-out at 450-620 nm.
  • Figure 15 A shows the median elevation in form of the change in percent of binding enhancement of serum antibodies concerning the binding to SARS-COV-02 RBD-protein in comparison to saliva control without chitosan.
  • Three groups of antibodies of COVID-19 infected patients have been tested: high RBD SARS-COV-02 binding serum antibodies, medium RBD SARS-COV-02 binding serum antibodies, and low RBD SARS-COV-02 serum antibodies.
  • high RBD SARS-COV-02 binding serum antibodies high RBD SARS-COV-02 binding serum antibodies
  • medium RBD SARS-COV-02 binding serum antibodies for each group of antibodies three dilutions have been tested, namely 1:100, 1:200, and 1:400 dilution in saliva.
  • Figure 15 A in particular low binding neutralising serum antibodies show an elevated binding in comparison to the control without chitosan.
  • Figure 15 B shows the median elevation in form of the change in percent of binding enhancement of serum antibodies concerning the binding to SARS-COV-02 RBD-protein in comparison to saliva control without chitosan. Again chitosan as released from chewing gum samples have been used for the first incubation step in the ELISA assay. According to Figure 15 B in particular low binding neutralising serum antibodies show a slightly elevated binding in comparison to the control without chitosan.
  • the inventors evaluated the release of chitosan from tea.
  • the release experiments were conducted with two different teas, i.e. with an alkaline tea (also known as basen tea or basic tea) and a fruit tea.
  • an alkaline tea also known as basen tea or basic tea
  • a fruit tea As the concentration of chitosan per teabag may vary, the inventors measured the chitosan release of three bags of each tea.
  • For the alkaline tea after three minutes of treatment of the three teabags with 30 ml PBS buffer at pH 2 and 80°C, an amount of 1.7 mg chitosan was measured (see Figure 18, left column, and Figure 21 which compiles the results of chitosan measurements in tea and candies).
  • Example 5 Chitosan release from candy The inventors also evaluated the release of chitosan from candy.
  • the candy was chewed or sucked, and saliva samples were collected after a predetermined time, and the amount of chitosan in the samples was determined using Hettich solution, as described in Example 1 herein above.
  • the candy was chewed for 5 minutes, and a saliva sample was collected directly after 5 minutes of chewing.
  • the candy was removed from the mouth, and a further saliva sample was collected 2 minutes after removing the candy from the mouth.
  • 6 mg chitosan were released from the candy (see Figure 19, left column).
  • the sample collected 2 minutes after removing the candy from the mouth still contained 1,3 mg chitosan.
  • the present invention can be also described as follows:
  • Chitosan is comprising Polyglucosamines of many different molecular weights, and many different degrees of de-acetylation as well as all biocompatible derivatives thereof and types of crosslinked derivatives and physical modifications.
  • chitosan has to be applied in cationic form or has to acquire cationic properties at mucosa site.
  • Chitosan is understood as an example for chemically synthesized and extracted organic and inorganic polycationic biopolymers and polymers that can be respectively used. Other examples comprise but are not limited to polyethylenimine, etc.
  • Chitosan carbon hydrate for antiviral purposes
  • COVID-19 Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
  • a biotechnological fabrication route as could be observed for insulin, hyaluronic acid and so many antibodies. So far, Chitosan is made from animals or fungi.
  • the polysaccharide Chitosan has excellent biological properties, for example biocompatibility, support of wound tissue regeneration, immunostimulation, induction of hemostasis and radical scavenging as well as antimicrobial and antiviral activities. It is overdue that chitosan is not pharmaceutically qualified for its active ingredient properties. Maybe this delay could partly be explained by the fact that chitosan is a natural product.
  • Chitosan has many applications in areas as diverse as the cosmetic industry, medical industry, agricultural industry, food processing, nutritional enhancement, and, wastewater treatment
  • Chitosan can be used for drastic reduction of virus transfection of several biological tissues. Reduction of bacteria as well as reduction of very primitive subcellular living forms are the target of intense scientific investigations just now.
  • Chitosan is a candidate for drug and gene delivery systems, a key component in diagnostic test protocols and provides anti-adhesion property and acts as a component in surgical devices.
  • Chitosan is an active and efficient ingredient of anti-itching formulations.
  • Chitosan is a nutritional supplement controlling fat resorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • viruses which are penetrating mucosa and transfect subjacent biological cells.
  • the human pharynx is accessible via oral cavity, nose and throat tract.
  • the nose itself is accessible from the eyes via lacrymal duct as well as from the ear via eustachian tube.
  • the body cavities of ear, eye, nose and mouth are interconnected with each other and, for example, the delivery of chitosan to the mucosa of the mouth is also influencing the mucosa of the other mentioned tissues and organs.
  • the present invention contemplates that, in a controlled and sustained manner, Chitosan and mucosa of Pharynx could inhibit transfection of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 to a degree strong enough to prevent or reduce infection or to promote immunization without pronounced disease.
  • chitosan interacts with viruses or virus bodies.
  • One type of interaction is of an electrostatic character. Same type is observed in interaction between Chitosan and cell surface. It is assumed there exists, for each Chitosan molecule, more than just one interaction site with the membrane. Two and more interaction sites at a distance would disturb intrinsic membrane mechanics and, as consequence, affect also virus cell membrane interaction. Ultimately, it is contemplated that by a chain of events the virus transfection probability is reduced up to a factor of hundred.
  • the present patent application also contemplates procedures to deliver a therapeutic chitosan dose to the Pharynx mucosa, preferably in a one-time or in a sustained release manner, to get a therapeutic dose for a sufficient period of time.
  • One-time application can be achieved, for example, by spraying, gargling or slow drinking in small sips of diluted Chitosan solutions or suspensions.
  • Inhalation of Chitosan-containing aerosols is a procedure that can preferably be used to deliver to numerous targets, including Pharynx, respiratory tract and nose. Spraying and inhalation procedures are executed by means of state-of-the-art devices.
  • the present patent application also contemplates that spraying of Chitosan solution or suspensions onto surfaces of living, hospital or working rooms causes or produces anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects. The same would work by just spraying into the room or indoor air.
  • Chitosan solution is applied to mucosa of Pharynx by means of spraying or gargling to achieve a therapeutic dose at Pharynx mucosa.
  • Chitosan solution is applied to the respiratory tract by means of inhalation to achieve a therapeutic dose at Pharynx and upper respiratory tract.
  • Chitosan in sustained release modus Chitosan is applied to mucosa of Pharynx by means of release from oral or buccal sustained delivery systems to achieve and maintain a therapeutic dose at Pharynx mucosa.
  • oral or buccal sustained delivery systems comprise all kind(s) of solid (Solida) or semisolid (Semisolida) dosage forms which could be, but not restricted to, chewing gums, tablets, capsules, gel bodies or oral thin films made of bulk material and/or previously mechanically altered condensed biopolymer material to enhance release times and applied doses.
  • oral or buccal sustained delivery systems comprise solid or semisolid dosage forms which could contain but are not limited to composite microparticles, one component of which is Chitosan.
  • the Chitosan dosage is selected to achieve at mucosa target a loading from 1 nanogram per square centimeter to 0.1 microgram per square centimeter, and preferred from 10 nanogram per square centimeter to 0.1 microgram per square centimeter.
  • the delivery systems preferably release Chitosan to maintain the mucosa loading at a selected level for a desired period or periods of time.
  • Chitosan solutions for spraying solutions or drinking purposes contain essentially,
  • the spraying solution for oral and nose applications could contain optionally Hyaluronic Acid in non-stoichiometric ratio to Chitosan.
  • sustained release spraying forms can include but are not limited to lipophilic/ non-chitosan-dissolving liquids with dispersed microparticles of different sizes (for example, 5 pm - 950 pm in diameter) of different composition with one ingredient being chitosan. These microparticles can be of a mechanically altered state with comparable composition.
  • the present invention contemplates oral, buccal and bronchial sustained delivery systems comprising systems of solid co-agglomerates of composites of different microparticles with one of the ingredients being Chitosan. Larger particles will impact in the upper respiratory tract while particles of 5pm diameter and smaller will impact in the bronchi delivering Chitosan over a longer period of time.
  • the present invention contemplates chitosan solutions or suspensions for spraying onto technical or household surfaces or into restricted volumes could contain beside solid or dissolved chitosan itself other ingredients, like alcohols (for example, ethanol, propanol), disinfectives and skin-caring ingredients.
  • the present invention is also characterized by the following items:
  • a solid composition for use in preventing an infection by a virus or bacterium, or treating a virus or bacterial infection, or treating a disease caused by a virus or bacterial infection comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • composition for use of item 1 wherein the virus is a respiratory virus.
  • composition for use of item 2 wherein the respiratory virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus.
  • composition for use of item 3, wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is a betacoronavirus.
  • composition for use of item 3 or 4 wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1, preferably wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • composition for use of item 7, wherein the bodily fluid is saliva or a mucous secretion.
  • composition for use of item 8 wherein the mucous secretion is a nasal secretion or a bronchial secretion.
  • composition for use of any one of the preceding items, wherein the use comprises contacting a mucosa with the composition.
  • the mucosa is selected from the group consisting of mucosa of the nose, mucosa of the pharynx, mucosa of the mouth and mucosa of the bronchia.
  • composition for use of any one of the preceding items, wherein the composition is an edible composition or a composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration.
  • compositions for use of any one of the preceding items wherein the composition is a dietary supplement, preferably wherein the dietary supplement is suitable for being added to a beverage, more preferably wherein the beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • the beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • composition selected from the group consisting of a chewing gum, a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, a chocolate, and a composition for preparing a beverage (e.g. a coffee composition, a tea composition, a sherbet powder, an effervescent tablet).
  • a chewing gum e.g. a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, a chocolate
  • a composition for preparing a beverage e.g. a coffee composition, a tea composition, a sherbet powder, an effervescent tablet.
  • composition for use of item 16 wherein the composition is a chewing gum.
  • composition for use of item 17, wherein the chewing gum comprises chitosan and an acid.
  • composition for use of item 17, wherein the chewing gum comprises a salt of chitosan.
  • composition for use of item 19 wherein the salt of chitosan is selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate and chitosan hydrochloride.
  • the composition is a sustained delivery system, preferably an oral or buccal sustained delivery system.
  • composition for use of any one of the preceding items, wherein the composition comprises a solid or semi-solid dosage form.
  • a gel body e.g. a gel for oral cavity
  • composition for use of any one of the preceding items, wherein the composition comprises a microparticle.
  • composition for use of item 24, wherein the microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • composition for use of item 27, wherein the co-agglomerate comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • the composition is comprised in a mixture for manufacturing a nasal irrigation solution, a nose drop solution, a nose oil formulation, a solution for spraying or gargling, a mouth rinse, a gel for application to the oral cavity, or a beverage.
  • virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • mucosa is selected from the group consisting of mucosa of the nose, mucosa of the pharynx, mucosa of the mouth and mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the respiratory virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1, preferably wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • any one of items 46 to 54, wherein the use comprises contacting a mucosa with the composition.
  • the mucosa is selected from the group consisting of mucosa of the nose, mucosa of the pharynx, mucosa of the mouth and mucosa of the bronchia.
  • a chewing gum comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • 67 The composition of any one of items 57 to 66, wherein the chitosan or the salt thereof has a degree of deacetylation of from 40 to 50%.
  • 67a The chewing gum of item 57, wherein the chewing gum comprises sorbitols, isomalt, maltitols, xylitol, acesulfame K, sucralose, gum base, flavourings, glycerol, gum Arabic, chitosan, zinc acetate, and carnauba wax; optionally, the chewing gum may further comprise citric acid.
  • An edible composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • composition 70 The edible composition of item 68 or 69, wherein the composition is a dietary supplement, a food or a beverage.
  • composition for preparing a beverage e.g. a coffee composition, a tea composition, a sherbet powder, an effervescent tablet.
  • beverage 72 The edible composition of item 71, wherein the beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • the beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • composition of any one of items 68 to 72, wherein the composition comprises a microparticle, wherein the microparticle comprises the chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • composition of any one of items 73 to 74, wherein the composition comprises a co-agglomerate of different microparticles, wherein the co-agglomerate comprises the chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • composition of any one of items 68 to 75, wherein the chitosan or the salt thereof has a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • composition of any one of items 68 to 75, wherein the chitosan or the salt thereof has a degree of deacetylation of from 40 to 50%.
  • composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration comprising a microparticle, wherein the microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • composition of item 78, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • composition of item 80 wherein the composition comprises a co-agglomerate of different microparticles, wherein the co-agglomerate comprises the chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • a sustained delivery system comprising chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • sustained delivery system of item 85 wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • sustained delivery system of item 85 or 86, wherein the sustained delivery system is an oral or buccal sustained delivery system.
  • sustained delivery system of any one of items 85 to 88, wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of a film, a layered structure of films, a tablet, a capsule, a gel body (e.g. a gel for oral cavity), a chewing gum, a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, and a chocolate.
  • a gel body e.g. a gel for oral cavity
  • sustained delivery system of any one of items 85 to 89, wherein the composition comprises a microparticle, wherein the microparticle comprises the chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • sustained delivery system of item 90 wherein the microparticle further comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • composition comprises a co-agglomerate of different microparticles, wherein the co-agglomerate comprises the chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • sustained delivery system of any one of items 85 to 92, wherein the chitosan or the salt thereof has a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • sustained delivery system of any one of items 85 to 92, wherein the chitosan or the salt thereof has a degree of deacetylation of from 40 to 50%.
  • composition suitable for treating a surface or skin comprising a microparticle, wherein the microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • composition of item 95 wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the chitosan or the salt thereof has a degree of deacetylation of 80% or more.
  • a disinfectant e.g. a skin-caring composition
  • a soap e.g. a liquid soap
  • a detergent formulation e.g. a laundry detergent formulation or a dish detergent formulation.
  • a method of treating a surface or skin comprising contacting the surface or skin with the composition of any one of items 95 to 101.
  • the respiratory virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1, preferably wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • a respiratory virus preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1, preferably wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • a method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies comprising contacting a fluid that contains a virus and virus neutralizing antibodies, wherein the virus neutralizing antibodies bind to said virus, with a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the bodily fluid is selected from the group consisting of saliva, blood, and a mucous secretion.
  • mucosa is selected from the group consisting of mucosa of the nose, mucosa of the pharynx, mucosa of the mouth and mucosa of the bronchia.
  • 121 The method of any one of items 115 to 120, wherein the virus is a respiratory virus.
  • the respiratory virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1, preferably wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • any one of items 115 to 128, comprising contacting the fluid that contains the virus and virus neutralizing antibodies with a composition that contains the compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • the salt is selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • composition is an edible composition or a composition suitable for oral, nasal or bronchial administration.
  • the edible composition is a liquid or a solid composition.
  • composition is a dietary supplement, preferably wherein the dietary supplement is suitable for being added to a beverage, more preferably wherein the beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • the beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • compositions are selected from the group consisting of a chewing gum, a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, a chocolate, a composition for preparing a beverage (e.g. a coffee composition, a tea composition, a sherbet powder, an effervescent tablet), and a beverage.
  • a chewing gum e.g. a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, a chocolate
  • a composition for preparing a beverage e.g. a coffee composition, a tea composition, a sherbet powder, an effervescent tablet
  • chitosan is selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate and chitosan hydrochloride.
  • beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • the beverage is selected from the group consisting of tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, milk, cola, a drinkable milk product (e.g. drinkable yoghurt), a beverage obtainable by dissolving a sherbet powder or an effervescent tablet, and an alcoholic beverage.
  • composition is selected from the group consisting of a solution, preferably a solution for spraying or gargling, a mouth rinse, a gel for application to the oral cavity, a nose drop formulation, a nose oil formulation, a nose spray, and a nose irrigation formulation.
  • composition is a sustained delivery system, preferably an oral or buccal sustained delivery system.
  • composition comprises a solid or semi-solid dosage form.
  • composition is selected from the group consisting of a film, a layered structure of films, a tablet, a capsule, a gel body, a chewing gum, a candy, a bonbon, a fruit gum, and a chocolate.
  • composition comprises a microparticle.
  • microparticle comprises chitosan or a salt thereof.
  • microparticle further comprises hyaluronic acid.
  • composition comprises a co agglomerate of different microparticles.
  • microparticle or the co-agglomerate is comprised, in particular suspended, in a composition for spraying or gargling, a mouth rinse, a gel for application to the oral cavity, a nose spray, a nose oil, a nose drop formulation or a nasal irrigation formulation.
  • the compound for use of item 157, wherein the use comprises contacting a fluid that contains a virus and virus neutralizing antibodies with the compound.
  • mucosa is selected from the group consisting of mucosa of the nose, mucosa of the pharynx, mucosa of the mouth and mucosa of the bronchia.
  • the compound for use of item 164, wherein the respiratory virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] 166.
  • the compound for use of item 165 or 166, wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS- CoV-1, preferably wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-Cov-2.
  • the compound for use of item 168, wherein the disease is selected from the group consisting of COVID-19, MERS and SARS, preferably wherein the disease is COVID-19.
  • the compound for use of item 170, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of chitosan lactate, chitosan acetate, chitosan hydrochloride, and any combination thereof.
  • the compound for use of any one of items 156 to 171, wherein the use comprises using a composition that contains the compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.
  • a method of treating a patient being infected with a virus comprising contacting a fluid that contains a virus and virus neutralizing antibodies, wherein the virus neutralizing antibodies bind to said virus, with a compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof, wherein said compound increases the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies.
  • the bodily fluid is selected from the group consisting of saliva, blood, and a mucous secretion.
  • the mucous secretion is a nasal secretion or a bronchial secretion.
  • the respiratory virus is selected from the group consisting of a coronavirus, preferably a human-pathogenic coronavirus, an influenza virus, a rhinovirus, and a respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]
  • the human-pathogenic coronavirus is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1, preferably wherein the human-pathogenic coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.
  • any one of items 174 to 185 comprising contacting the fluid that contains the virus and virus neutralizing antibodies with a composition that contains the compound selected from the group consisting of chitosan or a salt thereof, galactose, mannose, caffeine, and any combination thereof.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne une composition destinée à être utilisée dans la prévention d'une infection, ou le traitement d'une infection, ou le traitement d'une maladie provoquée par une infection, la composition comprenant un composé choisi dans le groupe constitué par le chitosane ou un sel de celui-ci, le galactose, le mannose, la caféine et toute combinaison de ceux-ci.
PCT/EP2021/059643 2020-04-15 2021-04-14 Moyens et procédés de prévention et de traitement d'infections Ceased WO2021209493A2 (fr)

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EP21724196.7A EP4135718A2 (fr) 2020-04-15 2021-04-14 Moyens et procédés de prévention et de traitement d'infections
CA3171226A CA3171226A1 (fr) 2020-04-15 2021-04-14 Moyens et procedes de prevention et de traitement d'infections
JP2022562965A JP2023522049A (ja) 2020-04-15 2021-04-14 感染を防止および処置する手段および方法
BR112022020717A BR112022020717A2 (pt) 2020-04-15 2021-04-14 Meios e métodos para previnir e tratar infecções
IL296364A IL296364A (en) 2020-04-15 2021-04-14 Means and methods for preventing and treating infections
US17/918,679 US20230346824A1 (en) 2020-04-15 2021-04-14 Means and methods of preventing and treating infections
MX2022012940A MX2022012940A (es) 2020-04-15 2021-04-14 Medios y metodos de prevencion y tratamiento de infecciones.
PCT/EP2021/079199 WO2022135767A1 (fr) 2020-12-22 2021-10-21 Moyens et méthodes de prévention, de traitement et de détection d'infections
US18/258,861 US20240050366A1 (en) 2020-12-22 2021-10-21 Means and methods of preventing, treating and detecting infections
EP21805842.8A EP4267148A1 (fr) 2020-12-22 2021-10-21 Moyens et méthodes de prévention, de traitement et de détection d'infections
CA3202259A CA3202259A1 (fr) 2020-12-22 2021-10-21 Moyens et methodes de prevention, de traitement et de detection d'infections

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RU2815979C1 (ru) * 2023-06-02 2024-03-25 Олег Анатольевич Зырянов Интраназальная композиция, содержащая соединения полидигидроксифенилентиосульфоната натрия (ПДФН) и L-триптофан, и способ получения композиции.
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RU2815979C1 (ru) * 2023-06-02 2024-03-25 Олег Анатольевич Зырянов Интраназальная композиция, содержащая соединения полидигидроксифенилентиосульфоната натрия (ПДФН) и L-триптофан, и способ получения композиции.

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