Arms Pharmaceutical touted data from a proof-of-concept clinical trial evaluating its oral spray formulation, Arms-I, for upper respiratory tract infections.

The placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that the oral spray formulation is safe, well-tolerated and reduced influenza symptoms, according to the Cleveland-based pharmaceutical company.

“The results confirm that our Arms-I technology has tremendous potential to lead the next generation of drugs in not only the prevention of many upper respiratory infectious diseases, such as influenza, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus, but in the treatment of them as well,” chief scientific officer Mahmoud Ghannoum said in prepared remarks.

The company’s Arms-I formulation is composed of a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, centylpyridinium chloride, and glycerin and xantham gum, which forms a barrier on the host mucosa. The barrier prevents viral contact and invasion into the host cells.

The FDA has approved the company’s Investigational New Drug Application for a pharmacokinetic trial of its Arms-I drug, Arms Pharmaceutical reported.

“It is an exciting time for the company as we actively begin discussions with potential strategic partners to bring Arms-I to market, a drug with the potential to help millions of people prevent influenza without the worries of side effects or viral resistance,” CEO Afif Ghannoum added.