Cetylpyridinium Chloride Hydrate

Low concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride, an antimicrobial agent present in mouthwashes, inhibit the infectivity of four variants of SARS-CoV-2, according to a recent study. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is an airborne disease transmitted via aerosols, which are spread from the oral and nasal cavities -- the mouth and the nose. In addition to the well-known division and spread of the virus in the cells of the respiratory tract, SARS-CoV-2 is also known to infect the cells of the lining of the mouth and the salivary glands. A team of researchers led by Professor Kyoko Hida at Hokkaido University have shown that low concentrations of the chemical cetylpyridinium chloride, a component of some mouthwashes, has an antiviral effect on SARS-CoV-2. Their findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports. Commercially available mouthwashes contain a number of antibiotic and antiviral components that act against microorganisms in the mouth. One of these, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), has been shown to reduce the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in the mouth, primarily by disrupting the lipid membrane surrounding the virus. While there are other chemicals with similar effects, CPC has the advantage of being tasteless and odorless. The researchers were interested in studying the effects of CPC in Japanese mouthwashes. Mouthwashes in Japan typically contain a fraction of the CPC compared to previously tested mouthwashes. They tested the effects of CPC on cell cultures that express trans-membrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), which is required for SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cell. They found that, within 10 minutes of application, 30-50 µg/mL of CPC inhibited the infectivity and capability for cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, commercially available mouthwashes that contain CPC performed better than CPC alone. They also showed that saliva did not alter the effects of CPC. Most significantly, they tested four variants of SARS-CoV-2 -- the original, alpha, beta and gamma variants -- and showed that the effects of CPC were similar across all strains. This study shows that low concentrations of CPC in commercial mouthwash suppress the infectivity of four variants of SARS-CoV-2. The authors have already begun assessing the effect on CPC-containing mouthwashes on viral loads in saliva of COVID-19 patients. Future work will also focus on fully understanding the mechanism of effect, as lower concentrations of CPC do not disrupt lipid membranes.

Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan) announced today the launch of PITAS throat troche series, film-type troches that stick to the roof of the mouth and are effective for throat pain and swelling, in Singapore through its subsidiary Taiho Pharma Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. With the active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride hydrate, PITAS Throat Troche series are effective for sterilization/disinfection of the mouth and for throat pain and swelling due to inflammation of the throat. They are thin film-type troches, which stick to the roof of the mouth and can be used while talking without being noticed by other people. It can be used anytime and anywhere, even in important business occasions or when talking with customers, and also in various aspects of daily life where there are difficulties in using throat lozenges. In Japan, PITAS Throat Troche (Peach flavor) was launched as the first of the PITAS series in 2017, followed by PITAS Throat Troche O (Orange flavor) and Pitas Throat Troche L (Lychee flavor) in 2020. Currently, these 3 flavors are available to choose from. In Singapore, all 3 flavors will become available at once through local drugstores and online shopping sites (7.90 SGD for pack of 12 troches. Price including local tax). Taiho Pharmaceutical will continue to create chains of “smiles” not only to the people in Japan but also to the people in Singapore by exploring people’s true needs and creating innovative products to meet such needs. Brand name PITAS Throat Troche: Peach Flavor PITAS Throat Troche O: Orange Flavor PITAS Throat Troche L: Lychee Flavor Risk categories Designated quasi-drug Active Ingredients Cetylpyridinium Chloride Hydrate 8.28 mg (in six troches) Indications Throat pain, throat swelling, sore throat, throat discomfort, and hoarse voice due to throat inflammation, sterilization/disinfection of the mouth, and removal of bad breath Dosage and administration Dose for Adults (15 years old and over) 1 troche Frequency of daily dosing 4 to 6 times Do not use for children under 15 years old Manufactured and Distributed by Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Information in this news release was current as of the original release date. Taiho Pharmaceutical's news releases are intended to provide information to the media. It may contain information about ethical drugs or products under development, however information contained in the news releases are not intended to constitute promotion, advertisement, or medical advice.