Glanbia lactoferrin investigation lays groundwork for “anti-COVID pill”

08 Mar 2022 --- A study has found lactoferrin, a glycoprotein, has inhibitory potential against select SARS-CoV-2 variants during in vitro settings. In the experiment, bovine lactoferrin supplied by Glanbia Nutritionals inhibited SARS-CoV-2 variant infection by blocking the virus’ ability to enter cells. The glycoprotein was also found to support cells’ antiviral defenses.

The study, conducted by scientists from the University of Michigan and Glanbia Research and Development, will be used in future placebo-controlled human clinical trials with chewable tablets containing 25% bovine lactoferrin. 

The trials’ findings may have indications for an antivirus supplement and will be significant for health supplements manufacturers and immunity conscious consumers.

In December, lactoferrin was highlighted for its takeover of the Chinese infant nutrition space, with its marketability projected to grow for years to come. Since 2015, Glanbia Nutritionals has been increasing its production capacity of lactoferrin, eyeing its market significance for its health properties even before the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Lactoferrin is found in milk, saliva, tears and other bodily fluids. Effective against all COVID-19 variants
The COVID-19 strains included in the study were “variants of concern,” including WA1, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1 and the Delta variant.

“Each of these variants includes modifications to the SARS-Cov-2 spike protein that reduce the efficacy of newly produced vaccines. Furthermore, each of these strains shows reduced neutralization by vaccination,” says lead investigator Dr. Jonathan Sexton of the University of Michigan Department of Internal Medicine.

Researchers also discovered common oral medication additives dextrose and sorbitol did not interfere with lactoferrin’s antiviral activities, thus suggesting “the feasibility of developing an anti-COVID pill.”

The study found bovine lactoferrin was effective against all strains tested in an in vitro setting, and the scientists predict that similar effects can be produced with future strains. 

Sexton emphasizes an orally available therapeutic supplement that may have applications for emergent strains would be ideal for regions without widespread vaccination or for use against new strains that are not suppressed through vaccination.

Found in secretions
Lactoferrin is naturally found in mammal secretions such as human milk, animal milk, saliva, tears and other bodily fluids. Colostrum, the milk first produced by lactating mammals, is one of the most concentrated sources of lactoferrin.

Bovine lactoferrin, derived from cow’s milk, has bioactive properties that may act against viruses, microbes and similar pathogens. The team also found that dextrose and sorbitol did not undermine lactoferrin’s efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Sexton explains: “Orally administered bovine lactoferrin has been shown to improve the severity of viral infections, including rotavirus and norovirus. Given the broad antiviral efficacy and safety, minimal side effects, and commercial availability of bovine lactoferrin, several review papers have suggested using it as a preventive or post-exposure treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection.”

Last year, NZMP predicted lactoferrin would heighten health credentials in snacks and foods because of its antioxidant and antiviral properties. Recently, NutritionInsight spoke with Sonja Matthews, senior manager of strategic insights EMEA at Glanbia Nutritionals, about consumers’ rising demands for a health-indulgence balance in snacks and health foods.

Edited by Olivia Nelson