Altamira Therapeutics Confirms Bentrio is Free of Prohibited Substances for Athletes

On August 16, 2024, in Hamilton, Bermuda, Altamira Medica Ltd. announced that their Bentrio nasal spray has successfully passed analytical testing for over 230 substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This breakthrough ensures that Bentrio is suitable for athletes who must adhere to strict anti-doping regulations while seeking protection against airborne allergens or other particles. Altamira Medica Ltd. is associated with Altamira Therapeutics Ltd., a company listed on Nasdaq under the symbol CYTO.

Bentrio stands out as a preservative-free, drug-free nasal spray specifically designed for allergic rhinitis. This product's unique formulation creates a protective barrier on the nasal mucosa, effectively shielding users from airborne particles. The testing confirmed Bentrio contains none of the prohibited substances identified by WADA, making it a safe choice for athletes.

Thomas Meyer, the founder, Chairman, and CEO of Altamira, highlighted the challenges athletes face in avoiding accidental doping violations while managing allergies. "Many athletes walk a tightrope when aiming to prevent allergic rhinitis or alleviate allergy symptoms without infringing on anti-doping rules," Meyer stated. He pointed out that even trace contamination in treatments or supplements can result in false positive doping tests. Additionally, certain substances might be allowed in one form but prohibited in another, complicating athletes' choices.

The case of Lennert Van Eetvelt, a young Belgian cyclist, underscores these challenges. In 2023, Van Eetvelt faced a temporary suspension due to alleged anti-doping violations after using a declared allergy nasal spray. The substance in question was banned in pill or injection form but permitted in spray form. Though he was eventually exonerated, the investigation sidelined him from competitions for three weeks.

Meyer further elaborated on Bentrio's advantages, emphasizing its design as a drug-free and preservative-free nasal spray that forms a protective barrier on the nasal lining. The successful screening for prohibited substances by a leading anti-doping laboratory further establishes Bentrio's suitability for athletes.

Bentrio is available over the counter and serves as a protective measure against airborne allergens and, where approved, airborne viruses. Upon application, it forms a gel layer on the nasal mucosa, preventing the contact of airborne particles with cells. The spray also helps in binding and discharging these particles. Bentrio's efficacy and safety have been validated through four clinical trials, the largest of which was the NASAR study involving 100 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. This study demonstrated a significant reduction in symptoms and an improvement in the quality of life for participants using Bentrio compared to those using saline nasal spray. Moreover, Bentrio exhibited good safety and tolerability, with fewer patients needing additional relief medication and more enjoying symptom-free days.

Altamira Therapeutics Ltd., headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, with main operations in Basel, Switzerland, focuses on developing peptide-based nanoparticle technologies for efficient RNA delivery to extrahepatic tissues. The company has two main siRNA programs targeting KRAS-driven cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, both in preclinical stages. Altamira also holds a 49% stake in Altamira Medica AG, which oversees Bentrio. The company is exploring partnerships and divestments for its inner ear assets, aiming to concentrate on its core competencies in RNA delivery technologies.