OM-85 reduces SARS-COV-2 viral RNA expression in nasopharyngeal cells from COVID-19 patients

OM-85 is a bacterial lysate from common respiratory tract pathogens, with an excellent safety profile, widely used to prevent recurrent respiratory tract infections. Several studies have been reporting the antiviral roles of OM-85. Here we demonstrated the effect of ex-vivo OM-85 exposure in nasopharyngeal cells collected from COVID-19 patients. OM-85 decreased the SARS-CoV-2 N1 gene expression and increased RIG-I (DDX58) gene expression in these cells. These data support the antiviral effect of OM-85 against SARS-CoV-2. ### Competing Interest Statement C.P. is an OM-Pharma employee. A.P.D and K.H.A. received fees from OM-Pharma. However, the funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.