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As Flu Surge Continues, Polyrizon's Nasal Spray Emerges as Potential Extra Shield Solution for Both Vaccinated and Unvaccinated
Raanana, Israel, Jan. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the 2025-2026 flu season intensifies across the United States, a mutated strain of influenza A is driving most cases, sparking concerns about a potentially tough winter ahead. According to the latest CDC estimates (as of late December 2025), flu has already caused at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths nationwide. Flu activity is rising sharply, with outpatient visits for influenza-like illness well above ba
About this update from Polyrizon Ltd.
[{"type":"text","content":"Raanana, Israel, Jan. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the 2025-2026 flu season intensifies across the United States, a mutated strain of influenza A is driving most cases, sparking concerns about a potentially tough winter ahead. According to the latest CDC estimates (as of late December 2025), flu has already caused at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths nationwide.","length":404,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Flu activity is rising sharply, with outpatient visits for influenza-like illness well above baseline in many states. Vaccination rates are lagging – over 47 million doses administered at pharmacies and offices so far, down about 3 million from last year – leaving more people vulnerable. While the vaccine remains the best defense, especially for preventing hospitalization, many choose not to vaccinate for various reasons, from personal beliefs to access issues.","length":465,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"According to the World Health Organization, which monitors the flu status all over the world, globally, influenza activity has increased since October 2025 with influenza A viruses predominant among the viruses detected globally. In many northern hemisphere countries, acute respiratory infection levels increase at this time of year. These increases are typically caused by seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other common respiratory viruses.","length":509,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"This is where Israeli biotech company Polyrizon Ltd. (Nasdaq: PLRZ) offers a promising complementary approach. One of its leading product candidates, the PL-16 Viral Blocker, is a non-pharmaceutical hydrogel nasal spray based on the proprietary Capture & Contain (C&C) platform. It creates a thin, temporary physical barrier on the nasal mucosa that potentially capture and contains respiratory viruses – including influenza and common cold viruses – before they can infect cells.","length":488,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Preclinical in-vitro studies have shown over 90% protection of cells from variable viral infections. Importantly, since the mechanism is purely physical, it doesn't drive antiviral resistance, unlike some medications and vaccines.","length":234,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","...