AGOVIRAX is indicated for prophylaxis and supportive treatment of viral infections of the respiratory tract.

Clinically proven effects:

Agovirax reduces the viral load (number of viruses) in mucus membranes by more than 90%.¹
Agovirax shortens the duration of the disease on average by 2.1 days.²
Agovirax significantly lowers frequency of relapses.³
Agovirax reduces the common cold symptoms.²

Agovirax is approved for use in adults and children from 1 year of age.

Mode of action of AGOVIRAX

Common cold and flu-like illnesses are caused by a large variety of viruses, such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and others. The nose is the most common route of infection. If viruses have penetrated into the nose, they can attach themselves to the mucous membrane and infect mucosal cells where they multiply and spread. This results in the typical symptoms of a cold, such as a blocked or runny nose, sore throat and/or headache, cough, etc.⁴
The active ingredient of AGOVIRAX Carragelose® (iota-carrageenan) has a dual positive effect. It creates a protective layer on the nasal and oral mucosa thus preventing binding and entry of the respiratory viruses into the cells. Thereby viruses cannot attach to the mucosal cells and infection is stopped.^5,6,7
AGOVIRAX forms a moisturising, protective film. Due to the action of Carragelose®, this film remains on the nasal mucosa for longer and serves as a physical barrier against external influences. This physiological moisture film supports the body’s natural defences against cold viruses.^6,7,8

How does AGOVIRAX® work?

The virus enters the body

Viral respiratory infections can be caused by more than 200 viruses. They are spread by air droplets, infected by coughing, sneezing, and so on.

Infection and reproduction

Viruses that cause respiratory infections attach to cells in the nasopharyngeal mucosa, the cells internalize the viruses, and then they begin to multiply.

Use of AGOVIRAX®

At the first signs of a common cold (such as tingling or runny nose), it is recommended to spray Agovirax® at least three times a day into each nostril.

Blocking viruses from entering cells

Agovirax® creates a protective viscous layer on the mucosal surface Iota-carrageenan attracts viruses and they get stuck in this material. This stops the spread and further multiplication of viruses.

Virus removal

“Bound” viruses are removed naturally (with the help of micro cloth -cilia- of the mucosal surface layer of cells). The infection is prevented or it passes faster.

IOTA CARRAGEENAN – a potent inhibitor of virus infectivity

The active substance of Agovirax – iota carrageenan – is a sulphated galactose polymer derived from edible species of red seaweeds. Carrageenans are large, highly flexible molecules with an average molecular weight of ~1 mln. daltons. There are three main types of carrageenan: Kappa, Iota, and Lambda. They differ from each other in sulphation degree, solubility and gelling properties, also they can produce different biological and toxicological effects. Clinical studies with various types of carrageenan confirmed that Iota-Carrageenan is a potent inhibitor of virus infectivity in vitro and acts 10.000 times better against the tested respiratory viruses compared to other types of carrageenan (Grassauer et. al, 2008). Two other related polymers Lambda- and Kappa-Carrageenan show moderate effects and did not fully inhibit virus. (Leibbrandt et al 2010). Later studies in vivo with adults and children confirmed broad spectrum antiviral efficacy and therapeutic effects of iota-carrageenan.

What does AGOVIRAX contain?

AGOVIRAX Nasal Spray is a clear, colorless, viscous solution without odour.
1 ml solution contains 1.2 mg iota-carrageenan (Carragelose®), 0.4 mg kappa-carrageenan, sodium chloride and purified water.

AGOVIRAX is safe to use during pregnancy and breast-feeding

AGOVIRAX has localised effects. Carragelose® (iota-carrageenan) is not absorbed by the cells of the mucosa. It has no other side effects besides very rare cases of hypersensitivity.
AGOVIRAX can be used for a longer period of time. There is no potential for addiction or risk of overdose.
AGOVIRAX contains no analgesics, no preservatives, no constituents of animal origin nor greenhouse gases. It is lactose and gluten-free and can be used by diabetics and vegans.

AGOVIRAX use and method of administration

At first signs of a flu-like infection (e.g., throat pain, tingling or runny nose, etc.), one puff should be sprayed at least 3 times daily into each nostril. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible after the onset of the first cold symptoms and continued until the symptoms have subsided. If fever develops or there is no improvement after one week of treatment, a doctor should be consulted.

Please read the package insert for more detailed information.

The AGOVIRAX unique filter system guarantees the sterility of the solution even after repeated use

Due to the advanced technology used in the spray system, such as a metal-free fluid path, a vented preservative-free system, a special filter membrane and tip-seal technology, the product is safeguarded from contamination and remains sterile for 12 months after first use.

Approved after rigorous microbiological testing (TSIT and CVIT).

Graf, C. et al., 2018. Development of a nasal spray containing xylometazoline hydrochloride and iota-carrageenan for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion caused by rhinitis and sinusitis. International journal of general medicine, 11, 275–283. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S167123
Eccles, R., Meier, C., Jawad, M., Weinmüllner, R., Grassauer, A., & Prieschl-Grassauer, E. (2010). Efficacy and safety of an antiviral Iota-Carrageenan nasal spray: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study in volunteers with early symptoms of the common cold. Respiratory research, 11(1), 108. https://doi.org/10.1186/1465-9921-11-108
Ludwig M. et al. Efficacy of a Carrageenan nasal spray in patients with common cold: A randomized controlled trial. Respir Res, vol. 14, no. 1, Nov. 2013, doi: 10.1186/1465-9921-14-124
Heikkinen T, Järvinen A. The common cold. The Lancet, vol. 361, no. 9351, pp. 51–59, Jan. 2003, doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)12162-9
Frediansyah A. The antiviral activity of iota-, kappa-, and lambda-carrageenan against COVID-19: A critical review. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, vol. 12. Elsevier B.V., Oct. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.cegh.2021.100826
Eccles R. Iota-Carrageenan as an Antiviral Treatment for the Common Cold, Open Virol J, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 9–15, May 2020, doi: 10.2174/1874357902014010009.
Bichiri D, Rente AR, Jesus Â. Safety and efficacy of iota-carrageenan nasal spray in treatment and prevention of the common cold. Med Pharm Rep, vol. 94, no. 1, pp. 28–34, 2021, doi: 10.15386/mpr-1817.
Graf A et al., Development of a nasal spray containing xylometazoline hydrochloride and iota-carrageenan for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion caused by rhinitis and sinusitis. Int J Gen Med, vol. 11, pp. 275–283, 2018, doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S167123.