An ingredient derived from cows’ milk developed by New Zealand company Quantec has been found to be effective at protecting cells against covid-19.
The discovery comes after research commissioned by Quantec into the ingredient IDP (Immune Defence Proteins) found that it had the ability to protect cells from covid-19, but it may also reduce the severity of covid-19 symptoms, a key concern particularly for sufferers of “long covid”.
The research was completed by an independent US laboratory.
Quantec chief executive Raewyn McPhillips says the results suggested that IDP could play an important role in the global struggle against the rapidly evolving virus.
“We already knew IDP offered effective barrier protection and support for the immune system, so with covid-19 running rampant throughout the world we wanted to investigate how IDP may be able to contribute to addressing immune health concerns,” McPhillips says.
“With previous research under our belts showing IDP is effective at inhibiting and protecting cells against influenza A and herpes simplex, it’s exciting to see IDP could also protect against covid-19, both in constraining the viral infection of cells and potentially reducing symptoms.”
Quantec founder and director Dr Rod Claycomb says IDP is much more potent than its individual parts, such as pure lactoferrin or lactoperoxidase.
It is a milk protein complex containing over 50 bioactive proteins that are proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
“The IDP protein fraction is extracted from fresh, pasteurised milk, in the same ratio created by nature to support the immune system,” Claycomb says.
The research compared IDP against pure lactoferrin with antiviral activity and investigated its potential to reduce the risk of covid-19 or provide therapeutic relief from symptoms.
In the covid testing, IDP achieved an IC50 based on 3.5mg/ml compared to spray dried lactoferrin’s 4.5mg/ml and freeze dried lactoferrin’s 6.4mg/ml.
IC50 is the concentration of a drug that is required for 50% inhibition of viral replication in vitro. The lower the measurement, the more potent the substance is.
“This result supports other testing we have commissioned, which demonstrates the efficacy of the natural IDP proteins to inhibit pathogens and support the body’s innate and adaptive immune systems,” he says.
While the respiratory tract is the primary portal of entry for SARS-CoV-2, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can also occur in covid patients.
“Ingesting IDP may help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory effect on body surfaces such as the skin and lining of the GI tract, thus providing some therapeutic relief for those suffering from the virus,” he says.
McPhillips says the company is now planning clinical trials with IDP and is actively working with commercial partners interested in creating consumer health products based on these results.
“As a milk-based functional ingredient, IDP provides a natural, safe and effective solution that is supported and backed by science,” she says.
“A principal part of our approach is working with strategic partners in key markets, who recognise this and the opportunities available to develop and commercialise products utilising the potency of IDP.”
