Research to study the role of TURMGEL in reducing the risk of infection with Covid-19
MUMBAI: KJ Somaiya Hospital and Gelnova Labs have taken a step towards minimising the infection risk of Covid-19 amongst health care workers by following a month-long study with 303 healthcare workers to study the role of TURMGEL in reducing the risk of infection with Covid-19.
TURMGEL is the only globally patented, mouth-dissolving lozenge in the market. It is available on Amazon, the Genova Labs website, and in select retail stores at an affordable Rs 170 for 10 lozenges. It is also being exported to several countries across the world. TURMGEL’s sugar-free formulation bypasses the gut and provides a high level of bioactive components, preventing infections in the salivary load, eventually enhancing immunity.
The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for Covid-19, is a highly infectious virus that primarily enters through the nose and mouth, harbors in the saliva for a few days. During this period, patients remain mostly asymptomatic but can spread infection.
Healthcare professionals are at high risk of contracting the disease while treating patients, as the virus from the patient can enter through droplets and aerosols. Even though masks and personal protective equipment are used, the risk of getting infected is remarkably high. Globally, more than 10% of healthcare professionals are infected while treating patients. Therefore, in the study, Somaiya Hospital decided to use TURMGEL lozenges as it solubilizes in the saliva, and reaches the bloodstream directly.
The study was conducted by Dr. Niharika Gill and Dr. Pranauti Mestry among the Health Care Workers working in COVID-19 wards, to see if the use of TURMGEL reduces the risk of contracting Covid-19 infection. All the healthcare workers received the TURMGEL lozenge thrice daily. The study participants followed the prescribed protection and infection control norms as recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and the proposal was cleared by the institutional ethics committee of KJ Somaiya Medical College and Hospital. TURMGEL demonstrated good acceptability among the healthcare workers and further research is underway.
Dr. Varsha Phadke, Dean, K.J. Somaiya Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, said: “We are facing a global health crisis and it is also our responsibility to contribute the best we have to create a healthy society. We, at KJ Somaiya Hospital have always believed in working towards a better and healthier society. The TURMGEL study, supported by Gelnova Labs, is our attempt to fight against the virus and to create a safer environment for people. As we explore further into the study we are hoping for positive results, which will benefit the society.”
