New Chewing Gum Reduces Transmission of Flu and Herpes Viruses

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers have developed a chewing gum containing an antiviral protein that reduces viral loads of flu and herpes viruses by over 95%.
• The gum uses FRIL, a natural antiviral protein found in lablab beans, offering potential applications for both human and avian flu.
• Low vaccination rates for influenza and the absence of an HSV vaccine highlight the need for innovative approaches to viral transmission.
• The study builds on prior research showing similar efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples.
• Researchers aim to test the use of lablab bean powder in bird feed to control outbreaks of bird flu.

Introduction: Addressing Global Viral Health Challenges

Influenza and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) represent significant public health concerns, contributing to substantial disease burdens and economic costs worldwide. Seasonal influenza epidemics alone result in economic losses exceeding $11.2 billion annually in the United States. Meanwhile, HSV-1, primarily transmitted through oral contact, infects over two-thirds of the global population and is the leading cause of infectious blindness in Western countries. Despite these challenges, low vaccination rates for influenza and the lack of an HSV vaccine underscore the urgent need for alternative strategies to curb viral transmission.

A recent study published in Molecular Therapy offers a promising solution. Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine, in collaboration with scientists in Finland, have developed a chewing gum containing a natural antiviral protein capable of neutralizing both flu and herpes viruses. This innovation could pave the way for reducing viral loads at the primary sites of transmission, addressing a critical gap in current preventive measures.

The Science Behind the Chewing Gum

The chewing gum leverages FRIL, a broad-spectrum antiviral protein naturally present in lablab beans (Lablab purpureus). Building on earlier research—currently in clinical trials—that demonstrated a similar approach reduced SARS-CoV-2 in saliva or swab samples by over 95%, the team tested the efficacy of this gum against two strains of herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and two types of influenza.

The gum was prepared to meet FDA specifications, ensuring both safety and effectiveness. Remarkably, just 40 mg of a two-gram tablet was sufficient to reduce viral loads by more than 95%. Additionally, the antiviral efficacy of the gum remained stable for up to 823 days when stored at room temperature, highlighting its practicality and shelf-life advantages.

Henry Daniell, W.D. Miller Professor at Penn Dental Medicine, emphasized the significance of this approach: “A broad-spectrum antiviral protein (FRIL) present in a natural food product (bean powder) to neutralize not only human flu viruses but also avian (bird) flu is a timely innovation to prevent their infection and transmission.”

Expanding Applications: Tackling Bird Flu

The researchers are now exploring the potential of lablab bean powder to address the ongoing bird flu crisis. In the past three months, the H5N1 strain has impacted 54 million birds across North America, with several human infections reported in the U.S. and Canada. Prior studies from collaborating laboratories have shown that lablab bean powder effectively neutralizes H5N1 and H7N9, two strains of influenza A responsible for avian flu outbreaks.

Daniell and his team are investigating the use of this powder in bird feed as a means to control the spread of the virus among poultry populations. This application could offer a cost-effective and scalable solution to mitigate the impact of bird flu, which poses risks not only to animal health but also to human populations.

Implications for Public Health and Future Research

The development of this chewing gum represents a novel strategy to combat viral diseases at their source. By targeting viral loads in saliva, the gum addresses a key mode of transmission for both influenza and HSV-1. Furthermore, its stability and ease of use make it a practical tool for widespread adoption.

While the current focus is on flu and herpes viruses, the broad-spectrum nature of FRIL suggests potential applications for other viral pathogens. Ongoing research will continue to explore these possibilities, with support from NIH grant R01 HL 107904.

As the global community grapples with the persistent threat of viral diseases, innovations like this chewing gum underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing public health solutions.