SinuSurf vs. Saline Solution in Normal Subjects

Rhinosinusitis, or sinusitis, is a bacterial or fungal infection in the sinuses that results from a build-up of mucus, which causes inflammation of the sinus cavities. NeilMed SinuSurf solution is a mucoactive surfactant designed to be added to NeilMed large-volume saline irrigation solution for the purpose of improving the clearance of mucus caused by sinusitis. In vitro studies have shown that topical surfactant therapies, such as SinuSurf, have been shown as an efficacious treatment of the inflammation of the sinuses (rhinosinusitis). In particular, these therapies have been shown to have antimicrobial effects, including a decrease in numbers of bacteria when used alone and an elimination of bacteria when combined with antibiotics. To date, initial safety studies of SinuSurf in an in-vitro model have confirmed a lack of toxicity to ciliary beat frequency and also a lack of toxicity in nasal explants model.

In a comparative analysis of saline and surfactant irrigation in post-operational endoscopic endonasal surgery subjects, Farag, et al. found those receiving surfactant irrigation reported more side effects and 20% of subjects on the surfactant irrigation discontinued use compared to none receiving saline. Rohrer, et al. found that surfactants, when added to saline, cleared sinus spaces significantly better than saline alone.

A previous version of SinuSurf was on the market from 2011-2012; however, it was removed from the market due to anecdotal reports of concerns regarding pain, dryness, and temporary alteration of sense of smell. While no reports of permanent alteration of sense of smell have been received, NeilMed wishes to assess the tolerability and safety of a revised, lower-concentration formulation of SinuSurf prior to re-introduction in the market. The purpose of this trial is to assess the tolerability and potential side effect profile, specifically alterations to the sense of smell, of a revised, low-concentration sinus irrigation solution in a population of normal subjects.

Healthy participants are included in this study because SinuSurf™ is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used for symptoms rather than one particular disease, just as are saline rinses. It is an over-the-counter product. One of the main outcome measures is the impact upon the sense of smell, which is already often compromised in patients with chronic nasal/sinus disease. Thus we seek to study it in patients with normal smell who also don't have other conditions that may impact sense of smell, which would potentially confound data interpretation. The dose/concentration is under patent, but involves one squirt of the "shampoo" into 240 cc of buffered nasal saline. There is anecdotal (internet) report that patients may have temporary smell loss with and that will be criteria for patient withdrawal and possibly early study termination.

The advice that SinuSurf™ not be used more than 5 days is in order to prevent patients with medical conditions that should be evaluated by physician from deferring medical advice. These warnings are typical of over the counter products. In the present study, the product will be used under the physician's oversight. The 7 days period is chosen because it is a full "week" and is conceivably a time interval over which one would expect any changes in outcome measures from baseline.