Birmingham researchers work on revolutionary approach to prevent hay fever

June 24, 2025: Birmingham Biotech LTD has been highly commended in the Department for Business & Trade’s Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, for a nasal spray formulated by Birmingham scientists during the COVID pandemic to protect against infection by airborne viruses.

The NoriZite nasal spray is now sold in over 10 countries, and Professor Liam Grover and Dr Richard Moakes from the University’s Healthcare Technologies Institute are working with Birmingham Biotech to perfect a new formulation, for a drug-free nasal spray to prevent hay fever.

The original formulation was created in 2020, when the researchers set themselves the challenge of engineering a ‘non-drip’ nasal spray that could cover the inside of the nose evenly and stay in place for a sufficient length of time to provide an effective barrier.  It contains natural ingredients, ‘plumes’ rather than ‘jets’ when applied with a nasal spray applicator, provides more than six times the coverage of standard sprays, is retained in the nose for up to six hours.

NoriZite was launched in 2022, initially in Singapore, but with rapid sales, it was rapidly rolled out to other countries in the world.

Subsequent research discovered the nasal spray could block pollen, allergens, and dust, and the scientists are now engaged on making slight adjustments to the formulation, to produce a spray that is specific to the needs of people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis).

While current therapeutic approaches for hay fever focus on managing the symptoms, the new spray will be drug-free preventative measure for people who are triggered by airborne allergens.

Professor Grover said: “Unlike pharmaceutical interventions that target specific pathogens or alter the body’s response to an allergen, this nasal spray works by forming a physical shield, maintaining the natural integrity of the nasal environment. This makes it an effective safeguard against both emerging viruses and environmental allergens.”

The new product for hay fever is expected to come to market in late 2025.

Michael Hsu, Managing Director of Birmingham Biotech said: “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Professor Grover and Dr Moakes to expand the application of our drug-free preventive technology. By transforming NoriZite into a solution that also protects against allergens, we’re offering a safe, accessible and science-backed alternative for the millions who suffer from hay fever each year.”