A randomized controlled trial of low-dose recombinant human interferons α-2b nasal spray to prevent acute viral respiratory infections in military recruits

Gao, LuLu; Yu, Shouyi; Chen, Qing; Duan, Zhaojun; Zhou, Jie; Mao, Chen; Yu, Dexian; Zhu, Wenchang; Nie, Jun; Hou, Yunde

The military population has a high disease burden of acute viral respiratory infections in China. To assess the efficacy and safety of a low-dose recombinant human interferon α-2b (rIFNα-2b) nasal spray in preventing acute viral respiratory infections in military population, we performed this randomized controlled trial. The results showed that application of the rIFNα-2b nasal spray had the benefits in prevention of infections caused by influenza A virus, influenza B virus parainfluenza viruses 1–3 and adenovirus species B. However, no benefit was seen in preventing respiratory syncytial virus. No severe adverse events were reported. Therefore, the rIFNα-2b nasal spray was effective and well tolerated for preventing common viral respiratory infections in the military recruits.