Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s (UPenn) School of Dental Medicine have developed an antiviral chewing gum, one made from beans and that significantly reduces the viral load of influenza and herpes simplex viruses.

The substance contains a viral trap protein – Flt3 receptor-interacting lectin (FRIL) – which naturally occurs in lablab beans. FRIL binds to and neutralises viruses in the mouth, a key site of transmission.

In lab tests using a chewing simulator, just 40 milligrams of the gum-reduced influenza viral loads by over 95%. For herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), respective doses of 160 milligrams and 74 milligrams were similarly effective.

It also remained stable for over two years at room temperature and met clinical-grade production standards.

Lead researcher, Dr Henry Daniell, and his UPenn team, collaborating with Finnish scientists, had previously explored a similar concept to combat coronavirus. This latest study builds on that approach, aiming to target multiple viruses spread orally, including emerging strains of avian flu.

The plan is now to move into clinical trials and investigate the gum’s effectiveness against bird flu strains, such as H5N1 and H7N9.

“By targeting viruses where they spread most efficiently, in the oral cavity, this product could address a major gap in healthcare,” said Daniell.

With global HSV-1 infection rates exceeding 60% and flu vaccination rates declining, Daniell’s group views their gum as a cost-effective, convenient and scalable method to reduce viral transmission.

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