WO2021215938A1 - Anti-viral methods and compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure encompasses therapeutic compositions prepared from honey. Also encompassed are methods of preparing these compositions, and methods of using these compositions. Particularly encompassed are methods of using the compositions in the treatment or prevention of viral infections, including the treatment or prevention of coronavirus infections, such as SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19.

Description

ANTI VIRAL METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to US 63/015,369 filed 24 April 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to therapeutic compositions prepared from honey, particularly manuka honey. The present disclosure relates also to methods of preparing such compositions, and methods of using such compositions, including methods of treating or preventing viral infections, more specifically, coronavims infections, such as infections due to S ARS -Co V -2/Covid- 19.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Viral infections are known to have a significant impact on human health and economies. The rate of viral infections in humans is very high, taking into account infections due to adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza viruses, and various coronavims strains. Such infections are spread readily by overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions. Symptoms of respiratory infections are exacerbated by pollution and pre-existing health conditions. Vulnerable populations include children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Persons with chronic lung conditions, heart conditions, obesity, and diabetes are particularly at risk.

[0004] To date, few therapeutic agents are successful in the mitigation of viral infections. Vaccines have been developed in relation to influenza viruses. However, due to continual vims mutation, influenza vaccines must be reformulated yearly. If the incorrect guess is made as to prevalent strains, then the formulation will be ineffective. Moreover, many vimses are unsuitable vaccine candidates. The few anti-viral agents that are available are beset by high rates of resistance or limited ranges of efficacy.

[0005] Coronavimses are enveloped vimses with plus-stranded RNA genomes of 26 to 32 kb. They are classified in 3 groups: groups I and II (pathogenic vimses for mammals) and group III (pathogenic for birds). Group I contains prototypic human pathogenic coronavimses, including HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-229E. Human pathogenic group II viruses include HCoV-HKUl and HCoV-OC43. Within subgroups of group II are Middle East respiratory syndrome virus, MERS-CoV, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavimses such as SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. See, e.g., Chen and Olsthoom, 2010, Virology 401: 29-41. See, also, Gloza-Rausch et ah, 2008, Emerging Infectious Diseases, 14(4): 628-631, and Lai et ah, 2020, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 55(3): 105924.

[0006] Currently, there are a small number of medicines available to health care workers for use against human coronavirus agents. Coronavirus infections have caused and continue to cause significant losses of life and significant economic damage. The ongoing illnesses and continuous presentation of new viral agents, particularly coronavimses, means that effective therapeutics are of utmost importance.

SUMMARY

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses a composition comprising Leptospermum honey for the treatment of a coronavirus infection in a subject.

[0008] In various aspects:

[0009] The coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

[0010] The human coronavirus is a SARS vims.

[0011] The human coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.

[0012] The composition comprises manuka honey.

[0013] The composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0014] The composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0015] The Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

[0016] The composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

[0017] The composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

[0018] In one other aspect, the present disclosure encompasses a composition comprising Leptospermum honey for the prevention of a coronavirus infection in a subject. [0019] In various aspects:

[0020] The coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

[0021] The human coronavirus is a SARS vims.

[0022] The human coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.

[0023] The composition comprises manuka honey.

[0024] The composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0025] The composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0026] The Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

[0027] The composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

[0028] The composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

[0029] In yet one other aspect, the present disclosure encompasses a composition comprising Leptospermum honey for the treatment of a coronavirus infection of the respiratory tract of a subject.

[0030] In various aspects:

[0031] The coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

[0032] The human coronavirus is a SARS vims.

[0033] The human coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.

[0034] The composition comprises manuka honey.

[0035] The composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0036] The composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0037] The composition comprises Leptospermum scoparium honey.

[0038] The composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

[0039] The composition is adapted for administration by nebulisation device, metered- dose inhaler, or dry powder inhaler. [0040] In still one other aspect, the present disclosure comprises a composition comprising Leptospermum honey for the prevention of a coronavims infection of the respiratory tract of a subject.

[0041] In various aspects:

[0042] The coronavims is a human coronavims.

[0043] The human coronavims is a SARS vims.

[0044] The human coronavims is SARS-CoV-2.

[0045] The composition comprises manuka honey.

[0046] The composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0047] The composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0048] The Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

[0049] The composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

[0050] The composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

[0051] In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses a method of treating a coronavims infection in a subject, wherein the method comprises administering a composition comprising Leptospermum honey to the subject, thereby treating the coronavims infection.

[0052] In various aspects:

[0053] The coronavims is a human coronavims.

[0054] The human coronavims is a SARS vims.

[0055] The human coronavims is SARS-CoV-2.

[0056] The composition comprises manuka honey.

[0057] The composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0058] The composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0059] The Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

[0060] The composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration. [0061] The composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

[0062] In one other aspect, the present disclosure encompasses a method of preventing a coronavirus infection in a subject, wherein the method comprises administering a composition comprising Leptospermum honey to the subject, thereby preventing the coronavirus infection.

[0063] In various aspects:

[0064] The coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

[0065] The human coronavirus is a SARS virus.

[0066] The human coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.

[0067] The composition comprises manuka honey.

[0068] The composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0069] The composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0070] The Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

[0071] The composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

[0072] The composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

[0073] In yet one other aspect, the present disclosure encompasses a method of treating a coronavirus infection in a respiratory tract of a subject, wherein the method comprises administering a composition comprising Leptospermum honey to the respiratory tract of the subject, thereby treating the coronavirus infection.

[0074] In various aspects:

[0075] The coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

[0076] The human coronavirus is a SARS virus.

[0077] The human coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.

[0078] The composition comprises manuka honey.

[0079] The composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0080] The composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume. [0081] The Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

[0082] The composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

[0083] The composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

[0084] In still one other aspect, the present disclosure comprises a method of preventing a coronavirus infection of a respiratory tract in a subject, wherein the method comprises administering a composition comprising Leptospermum honey to the respiratory tract of the subject, thereby preventing the coronavirus infection.

[0085] In various aspects:

[0086] The coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

[0087] The human coronavirus is a SARS virus.

[0088] The human coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2.

[0089] The composition comprises manuka honey.

[0090] The composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0091] The composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

[0092] The Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

[0093] The composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

[0094] The composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

[0095] The foregoing brief summary broadly describes the features and technical advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure. Further technical advantages will be described in the detailed description and examples that follows.

[0096] Novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure will be better understood from the detailed description when considered in connection with any accompanying figures and examples. However, the figures and examples provided herein are intended to help to illustrate or to assist with developing an understanding of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the applicant’s disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] The following description sets forth numerous exemplary configurations, parameters, and the like. It should be recognised, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure, but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments.

[0098] All references, including patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. Nor does discussion of any reference constitute an admission that such reference forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in any country.

Definitions

[0099] In each instance herein, in descriptions, embodiments, and examples of the present disclosure, the terms “comprising”, “including”, etc., are to be read expansively, without limitation. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as to opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say in the sense of “including but not limited to”.

[00100] The term “consisting essentially of’, as used herein, may refer to the presence of a component in a composition. For example, a component may be at least 80% by weight of the composition, or at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.8%, or at least 99.9% by weight of the composition (% w/w). For liquids, a component may be at least 80% by volume of the composition volume, or at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.8%, or at least 99.9% by volume of the composition volume (% v/v).

[00101] In the present description, the articles “a” and “an” are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” can be taken to mean one element or more than one element.

[00102] Throughout this description, the term “approximately” is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the method being employed to determine the value, for example, levels of compounds or dosage levels, as described in detail herein. In particular, the term “approximately” encompasses a 10% to 15% deviation (positive and negative) in the stated value or range, particularly 10% deviation (positive and negative) in the stated value or range.

[00103] A “coronavirus” refers to viruses of the subfamily Orthocoronavirinae, and the family Coronaviridae. Group I and II coronaviruses are of interest for this disclosure, and human coronaviruses are of particular interest. Specifically noted are coronaviruses that cause respiratory syndromes in humans. These include but are not limited to HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKUl, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 (also called Covid-19).

[00104] “Concentrate”, for example, in relation to a honey, refers to remaining material where the liquid components have been partly or substantially removed. A concentrate may be prepared as a particular composition, for example, as a liquid, paste, flake, cake, tablet, powder, crystallised form, or granulated form. Various preparations and methods for obtaining these are set out further below.

[00105] “Honey” refers to the sweet viscous material made by bees from flower nectar. This term encompasses Leptospermum honey, including manuka honey, kanuka honey, and jelly bush honey, and also includes kamahi honey, acacia honey, clover honey, and beechwood honey (e.g., honeydew), amongst others. It will be understood that one or more different honey types (or honey from different regions) may be combined and used in accordance with this disclosure.

[00106] “ Leptospermum honey” refers to a honey made by bees from the flower nectar from at least one Leptospermum plant. This includes, for example, manuka (. Leptospermum scoparium ), kanuka ( Leptospermum ericoides ), jelly bush ( Leptospermum polygalifoUum) plants, and any genetic derivative thereof. Leptospermum honey may be a monofloral honey (i.e., consisting essentially of honey made from one type of flower nectar) or a multifloral honey (i.e., honey made from more than one type of flower nectar). It is expected that Leptospermum honey includes at least 80% by weight or volume of honey, which has been made by bees from Leptospermum flower nectar.

[00107] “Manuka honey” refers to a honey made by bees from the flower nectar from at least one manuka plant. This includes Leptospermum scoparium and any genetic derivative thereof. Manuka honey may have other nectar products present therein. For example, a monofloral manuka honey may be used (i.e., consisting essentially of honey made from manuka flower nectar), or a multifloral manuka honey may be used (i.e., honey made from manuka flower and other flower nectar). It is expected that manuka honey includes at least 80% by weight or volume of honey, which has been made by bees from manuka flower nectar.

[00108] The general terms “honey”, “honey composition”, “composition”, and “formulation” have been used in the detailed description to simplify sentence structure, where possible. Where these general terms appear in the detailed description section below, these can be understood to include exemplifications using Leptospermum honey, and also to include exemplifications using manuka honey.

[00109] A “genetic derivative” of a plant refers to offspring, sports, hybrids, cultivars, or other progeny that are obtained from the parent stock. This includes offspring obtained from a genetic cross with the parent, e.g., FI progeny or F2 progeny.

[00110] As used herein, a “subject” may be a human or non-human animal, particularly a mammal, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, deer, and other livestock, including, as well, dogs, cats, and other domesticated pets.

[00111] “Symptoms” of viral infection refer to various physical effects exhibited in subjects. This can include one or more of fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, skin lesions, loss of smell, headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath. Upper airway symptoms are particularly noted. Serious symptoms are noted, including viral pneumonia and organ failure.

[00112] “Treating” as used herein is meant as reducing, ameliorating, or resolving a viral infection, for example a coronavirus infection, such as an infection caused by SARS- CoV-2. A treatment will result in one or more of: the reduction, amelioration, or elimination of one or more symptoms of the infection, or the inhibition or elimination of viral replication, or the reduction or elimination of the viral load.

[00113] “Preventing” as used herein is meant as stopping or delaying the onset of a viral infection, for example a coronavirus infection, such as an infection caused by SARS- CoV-2. A preventative measure will result in one or more of: the stoppage or delay of one or more symptoms of the infection, or the lessening of symptoms if such do arise, or the inhibition or elimination of virus progression to the respiratory tract, or the inhibition or elimination of transfer of virus between subjects.

Therapeutic compositions comprising honey

[00114] The inventor has found that honey compositions are effective in treating and preventing the replication of human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. As such, the compositions of the present disclosure can be used to support resistance to viral illnesses and/or to treat or prevent various infections, including those caused by coronaviruses.

[00115] Leptospermum honey is particularly noted for the present compositions.

Suitable plants include but are not limited to L. scoparium, L. ericoides, L. polygalifolium, as well as L. brachyandrum, L. continentale , L. incanum, L. juniperinum, L. liversidgei, L. micromyrtus, L. obovatum, L. petersonii, L. riparium, L. roei, L. speciosum, L. whitei, and genetic derivatives of these. Particularly of interest are manuka honey, kanuka honey, and jelly bush honey. Manuka honey is of specific interest. Noted is Leptospermum honey sourced from plants in New Zealand or Australia. Specifically noted is L. scoparium honey sourced from plants in New Zealand.

[00116] The honey composition may be formulated for administration to a subject.

The composition may be used on its own or used with or incorporated into other products. In various aspects, the composition may be encapsulated, tableted, flaked, powdered, prepared as an aerosol, particle, colloidal particle, or nanoparticle. See, e.g., Brudzynski et ah, 2017, Nature Scientific Reports, 7: 7637. Specifically encompassed are delayed release formulas, extended release formulas, as well as formulas for rapid disintegration. Gel capsules are specifically encompassed, as well as sachets and chewable tablets. In certain embodiments, the composition may be formulated as a liquid product or a semi- solid product such as a paste, a crystallised form, or a granulated form. Injectable formulations are particularly noted. See, e.g., Yuzbasioglu et ah, 2009, International Journal of Surgery, 7: 54-57.

[00117] Specifically of interest are formulations for ocular, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary delivery, including, for example, eye drops, nose drops, nose sprays, nose irrigation formulas, throat drops, throat sprays, throat irrigation formulas, mouth washes, mouth rinses, lozenges, instillations, aerosols, vapours, nebulisation formulas, metered-dose inhalation formulas, and dry powder inhalation formulas. Nebulising devices for use with the composition include jet nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers, and vibrating mesh nebulizers. Dry powder inhalers include, for example, Spinhaler (Fisons Pharmaceuticals) and Rotahaler (GSK). See, e.g., Patil and Sarasija, 2012, Lung India, 29(1): 44-49. Also included are combination formulas, which comprise a composition of the present disclosure mixed with one or more other beneficial agents, e.g., one or more anti- viral agents, anti inflammatory agents, or agents to assist with respiration. [00118] In one particular aspect, the honey composition may be produced as a powder, for example, for encapsulation or tabletting. The powder may consist essentially of honey, i.e., “powdered honey”. As examples, each tablet or capsule may be formulated to contain from 50 to 1000 mg; 150 to 950 mg; or 200 to 800 mg; 300 to 700 mg; or 550 to 750 mg; or approximately 50 mg, approximately 100 mg, approximately 150 mg, approximately 200 mg, approximately 250 mg, approximately 300 mg, approximately 350 mg, approximately 400 mg, approximately 450 mg, approximately 500 mg, approximately 550 mg, approximately 575 mg, approximately 590 mg, approximately 610 mg, approximately 625 mg, approximately 650 mg, approximately 675 mg, approximately 700 mg, approximately 750 mg, approximately 800 mg, approximately 850 mg, approximately 900 mg, approximately 950 mg, or approximately 1000 mg of powdered honey.

[00119] In one other aspect, the honey composition may be produced as a liquid, for example, for nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary delivery. The liquid composition may be prepared, for example, from a dilution of honey or from adding liquid to powdered honey. Thus, the liquid composition may comprise 1% to 15% v/v honey, or 1% to 15% w/v honey. Specifically, liquid compositions may comprise at least 2% honey, or at least 5% honey, by weight or by volume. As examples, the liquid may be formulated to contain from 10 to 150 mg/ml; 20 to 100 mg/ml; 30 to 70 mg/ml; or 40 to 60 mg/ml; or approximately 10 mg/ml, approximately 20 mg/ml, approximately 30 mg/ml, approximately 40 mg/ml, approximately 50 mg/ml, approximately 70 mg/ml, approximately 80 mg/ml, approximately 90 mg/ml, approximately 100 mg/ml, approximately 110 mg/ml, approximately 120 mg/ml, approximately 130 mg/ml, approximately 140 mg/ml, or approximately 150 mg/ml (w/v) of powdered honey.

[00120] In one further aspect, the honey composition may be produced as a powder or particles, for example, for inhalation. The composition may comprise 1% to 15% w/w powdered honey or honey particles. Specifically, the composition may comprise at least 2% w/w powdered honey or honey particles, or at least 5% w/w powdered honey or honey particles. As examples, the composition may be formulated to contain from 10 to 150 mg/g; 20 to 100 mg/g; 30 to 70 mg/g; or 40 to 60 mg/g; or approximately 10 mg/g, approximately 20 mg/g, approximately 30 mg/g, approximately 40 mg/g, approximately 50 mg/g, approximately 70 mg/g, approximately 80 mg/g, approximately 90 mg/g, approximately 100 mg/g, approximately 110 mg/g, approximately 120 mg/g, approximately 130 mg/g, approximately 140 mg/g, or approximately 150 mg/g (w/w) of powdered honey or honey particles.

[00121] It is also possible to produce the honey composition as an aerosol or vapour for inhalation. This aerosol or vapour may be made from 10% to 60% v/v honey, which is diluted in one or more liquid carriers. Compositions of at least 10% v/v honey or at least 50% v/v honey may be used. As examples, the aerosol or vapour for inhalation may be produced from 150 to 600 ml/ml; 200 to 550 ml/ml; 250 to 500 ml/ml, or approximately 150 mg/ml, approximately 200 mg/ml, approximately 300 mg/ml, approximately 350 mg/ml, approximately 400 mg/ml, approximately 450 mg/ml, approximately 500 mg/ml, approximately 550 mg/ml, or approximately 600 mg/ml (v/v) honey. See, e.g., Kamaruzaman et ah, 2014, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14:176.

[00122] In accordance with the data provided herein, the compositions of this disclosure are expected to be active in inhibiting viruses, including coronavimses. Methods of preparing and using the disclosed compositions are set out in detail below.

Methods for producing the therapeutic compositions

[00123] It has been demonstrated that honey compositions of the present disclosure can be used to support viral resistance and/or to treat or prevent various infections, including coronavims infections, such as SARS-CoV-2.

[00124] Leptospermum honey is particularly of interest for the present compositions.

It is expected that Leptospermum honey will have measurable levels of certain chemical markers. For example, methylglyoxal levels may be at least 80 mg/kg, at least 100 mg/kg, at least 250 mg/kg, at least 350 mg/kg, or at least 500 mg/kg, and/or dihydroxyacetone levels may be at least 100 mg/kg, at least 150 mg/kg, at least 200 mg/kg, at least 250 mg/k, at least 300 mg/kg, at least 350 mg/kg, at least 400 mg/kg, at least 450 mg/kg, or at least 500 mg/kg in the honey. Such testing is widely used. See, e.g., Cokcetin et ah, 2016, PLOS one 1 (12): eOI 67780.

[00125] For Leptospermum honey, and specifically manuka honey, it will be expected to have one or more markers of: 3-PLA equal or greater than 20 mg/kg but less than 400 mg/kg (3-phenyllactic acid); T -MAP equal or greater than 1 mg/kg (2’- methoxy acetophenone); 2-MBA equal or greater than 1 mg/kg (2-methoxybenzoic acid); and HPA equal or greater than 1 mg/kg (4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid), and DNA (pollen) less than Cq 36 or 3 fg/pL. In specific aspects, for Leptospermum honey, and particularly manuka honey, there will be one or more markers of: 3-PLA equal or greater than 400 mg/kg; T -MAP equal or greater than 1 mg/kg; 2-MBA equal or greater than 1 mg/kg; HPA equal or greater than lmg/kg; and DNA (pollen) less than Cq 36 or 3 fg/pL. In noted aspects, the honey will have at least two of these markers, at least three of these markers, at least four of these markers, or all five of these markers. This testing is widely used. See, e.g., MPI Technical - Paper No: 2017/30, April 2017, ISBN No: 978-1-77665-435-2 (online) ISSN No: 2253-3923 (online); and MPI Technical - Paper No: 2017/31, July 2017, ISBN No: 978-1-77665-435-9 (online) ISSN No: 2253-3923 (online). See, also, McDonald et ah, 2018, Science of Food 2:9.

[00126] Liquid formulations may be prepared by dilution of the honey itself or by resuspension of the powdered product in one or more liquid vehicles. Emulsion formulations may be prepared from honey (as a powder or liquid) by mixture with one or more oils. Semi solid formulations, e.g., pastes, crystallised products, or granulated products, may be prepared by partial drying or evaporation of the honey or by resuspension of the dried product that has been produced. Production of solid formulations of the honey may be by various drying or evaporation techniques. Methods include, for example, air drying, drum drying, vacuum drying, spray drying, freeze drying, spray freeze drying, supercritical fluid based drying, solvent precipitation, emulsion-evaporation techniques, or particle fabrication techniques, such as particle replication in nonwetting templates. See, e.g., Pilcer and Amighi, 2010, International Journal of Pharmaceutics 392: 1-19. See, also, Hebbar et ah, 2008, International Journal of Food Properties, 11: 804-819. Combinations of any of these techniques may also be used.

[00127] As specific exemplifications, chamber batch drying or continuous tunnel drying may be used. Chilled rollers and hammer mills may also be used, as well as other techniques. See, e.g., Hebbar et ah, 2008, International Journal of Food Properties, 11: 804- 819. It may be desirable to use a particular freeze drying process for obtaining a dry honey product. For example, a drying program may be used as part of an automated drying system. The process may include multiple drying steps, e.g., with step wise increases and reductions in temperature. In particular aspects, a primary drying setting is used for sublimation, followed by one or more secondary drying settings that are used to remove residual moisture. In certain aspects, the top temperature of the process does not exceed 35°C. In particular aspects, evaporation may be used in combination with freeze drying. Freeze drying techniques are widely known and commonly used. The freeze drying process may range from 5 to 60 hours; or 10 to 50 hours; or 15 to 40 hours; or about 20 to about 30 hours. Importantly, freeze drying may be utilised to retain the beneficial compounds in the honey, for example, one or more of the chemical markers, as described in detail herein.

[00128] For preparation of powders, an additive may be used to accelerate or otherwise assist the drying or evaporation process. As examples, calcium stearate, calcium tri-phosphate, maltodextrin, and magnesium carbonate, or other drying aids may be utilised. It is also possible to add various gums to improve drying characteristics, for example, gum- arabica and xanthan gum. Water can also be used to dilute the honey to facilitate handling. In some cases, a flaked product may be produced, i.e., a rough powder. See, e.g., Hebbar et ah, 2008, International Journal of Food Properties, 11: 804-819.

[00129] The resulting dry product may be milled. Useful powders may have a sieve size of about 1 mm or less. Milling methods are well known and widely used in the art. Standard mesh sizes may be used to produce the powder, for example, US 20, US 23, US 30, US 35, US 40, US 45, US 50, US 60, US 70, or US 80 mesh sizes may be used. In other aspects, finer size meshes may be used, for example, at least US 100, at least US 200, at least US 400, at least US 500, or at least US 635. The sieve size for the powder may range from 1.0 mm to 20 micron; or 0.84 mm to 25 micron; or 0.71 to 32 micron; or may be about 1.0 mm or less, about 0.84 mm or less, about 0.71 mm or less, about 0.59 mm or less, about 0.5 mm or less, about 0.47 mm or less, about 0.465 mm or less, about 0.437 mm or less, about 0.4 mm or less, about 0.355 mm or less, about 0.3 mm or less, about 0.25 mm or less, about 0.21 mm or less, or about 0.177 mm or less. In certain aspects, the sieve size may be about 149 microns or less, about 74 microns or less, about 37 microns or less, about 25 microns or less, or about 20 microns or less. Powder may be packaged into nitrogen flushed bags to protect against oxidation.

[00130] The honey composition may be prepared as therapeutic formulations by standard methods. The dosage form may contain excipients, for example, one or more anti adherents, binders, carriers, coatings, disintegrants, flavours, colours, sweeteners, lubricants, glidants, flow agents, anti-caking agents, sorbents, or preservatives. Useful excipients include but are not limited to: flow agents such as stearin, magnesium stearate, and stearic acid; sugars and their derivatives, e.g., lactose, sucrose, glucose, trehalose; polysaccharides and their derivatives, e.g., starches, cellulose or modified cellulose such as microcrystalline cellulose and cellulose ethers such as hydroxypropyl cellulose; sugar alcohols such as isomalt, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, and maltitol; lipids such as DPPC, DSPC, DMPC, and cholesterol; amino acids such as leucine and trileucine; surfactants such as poloxamer and bile salts; absorption enhancers such as gamma-CD, hydroxypropylated beta-CD, bile salts, chitosan, and trimethylchitosan; biodegradable polymers such as PLGA; proteins such as gelatin; synthetic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol; fatty acids, waxes, shellac, plastics, and plant fibres, e.g., com protein zein; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; crosslinked polymers, e.g., crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (crospovidone), and crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (croscarmellose sodium); sodium starch glycolate; silicon dioxide, fumed silica, talc, and magnesium carbonate. A noted carrier is saline, for example, phosphate buffered saline.

[00131] It will be understood that the compositions of the present disclosure can be included with any one of established kit formats for virus detection. The kit may be designed to detect or measure virus in one or more biological samples. For example, the kit may be designed for use with various tissues, cells, or nucleic acid extracts of tissues or cells, or biological fluids. In particular, blood, saliva, sputum, urine, or faecal samples may be tested, or samples from pharyngeal, nasal, oral, or tongue swabs may be tested. Other suitable sample types can be used. The biological sample used in the disclosed methods will vary based on the expression measurement platform, the detection method used, and the nature of the tissues, cells or extracts to be assayed. Methods for preparing samples are well known in the art and can be readily adapted in order to obtain a sample which is compatible with the method utilised.

[00132] The kit will generally comprise a container having disposed therein at least one therapeutic composition as set out in this disclosure. In various aspects, the kit comprises additional containers for each test reagent that is included. The kit may optionally include various buffers, enzymes, labels, or other reagents for performing the virus detection or measurement. For example, the kit may include wash reagents, polymerase enzymes, or internal controls, e.g., control nucleic acids or control samples. Labels or other detection means can include various radiolabelled, enzymatically labelled, affinity labelled, or fluorescently labelled agents. Optionally, instructions for use are also included.

[00133] Suitable containers for kits include, but are not limited to, glass containers, plastic containers, and strips of plastic or paper. Such containers will ideally prevent cross contamination of one reagent with another. The kit may include a container to accept the biological sample, and/or a container to include the primers used to measure expression levels. The kit may also accommodate containers that include amplification enzymes, containers that include wash reagents, and/or containers that include the reagents used to detect the extension products. In one embodiment, one container includes the amplification reagents and a separate container contains the detection reagent. In another embodiment, amplification and detection reagents are contained in the same container.

[00134] Once produced, the compositions of the present disclosure can be used as anti viral therapeutics. Methods of using the disclosed compositions for treating and preventing viral infections and their associated disorders are set out below.

Therapeutic methods utilising the therapeutic compositions

[00135] As demonstrated herein, the disclosed compositions can be used to support or improve overall respiratory health and/or to treat or prevent various viral infections. These compositions can alleviate or inhibit infections of the respiratory tract, including respiratory infections associated with coronavirus infections. Of note are coronavirus infections that cause respiratory syndromes in humans. This includes infections due to SARS viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. In certain aspects, the compositions of the present disclosure are administered at early stages of infection, or before infection has even occurred. In this way, the lungs of the subject are protected from viral infiltration.

[00136] While human coronaviruses are of particular interest, other animal viruses may also be targeted. Viruses of note are avian infectious bronchitis coronaviruses such as IBV, turkey coronaviruses such as TCoV, feline coronaviruses such as FECV, mouse hepatitis coronaviruses such as MHV, canine coronaviruses (CCVs), transmissible gastroenteritis coronaviruses such as TGEV, common cold viruses, such as HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43, as well as respiratory syndrome viruses, such as HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKUl, SARS-CoV (also called SARS-CoV-1), and SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome viruses), and MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome virus). See, e.g., Fehr and Perlman, 2015, Coronaviruses: an overview of their replication and pathogenesis, in Coronaviruses: Methods and Protocols, Methods in Molecular Biology, Springer Science, New York.

[00137] Therapeutic methods are encompassed in this disclosure. In various aspects, the disclosed composition is used for treating a coronavirus infection in a subject or preventing a coronavirus infection in a subject. The composition may be used for treating a coronavirus infection of the respiratory tract of a subject or preventing a coronavirus infection of the respiratory tract of a subject. The composition may be used for treating a SARS virus infection in a subject or preventing a SARS virus infection in a subject. The composition may be used for treating a SARS virus infection of the respiratory tract or preventing a SARS virus infection of the respiratory tract in a subject. The composition may be used for treating a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a subject or preventing a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a subject. The composition may be used for treating a SARS-CoV-2 infection of the respiratory tract or preventing a SARS-CoV-2 infection of the respiratory tract in a subject.

[00138] Noted also is the use of the disclosed composition for preparing a medicament for treating a coronavirus infection in a subject or preventing a coronavirus infection in a subject. Noted as well is the use of the composition for preparing a medicament for treating a coronavirus infection of the respiratory tract of a subject or for preventing a coronavirus infection of the respiratory tract of a subject. Noted as well is the use of the composition for preparing a medicament for treating a SARS virus infection in a subject or for preventing a SARS virus infection in a subject. Noted as well is the use of the composition for preparing a medicament for treating a SARS vims infection of the respiratory tract or for preventing a SARS virus infection of the respiratory tract in a subject. Noted as well is the use of the composition for preparing a medicament for treating a SARS- CoV-2 infection in a subject or for preventing a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a subject. Noted as well is the use of the composition for preparing a medicament for treating a SARS-CoV- 2 infection of the respiratory tract or preventing a SARS-CoV-2 infection of the respiratory tract in a subject.

[00139] As exemplary dosages, the compositions may be administered at dosages to obtain about 0.1 to about 200 mg/kg, about 0.2 to about 180 mg/kg, about 0.25 to about 150 mg/kg, about 0.5 to about 125 mg/kg, about 0.6 to about 100 mg/kg, about 0.7 to about 90 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 50 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 20 kg/mg, about 0.1 to about 10 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 5 mg/kg, about 0.1 to about 1 mg/kg, about 1 to about 20 mg/kg, about 1 to about 10 mg/kg, 1 to about 5 mg/kg, or about 200 mg/kg, about 100 mg/kg, about 90 mg/kg, about 80 mg/kg, about 70 mg/kg, about 60 mg/kg, about 50 mg/kg, about 40 mg/kg, about 30 mg/kg, about 20 mg/kg, about 10 mg/kg, about 9 mg/kg, about 8 mg/kg, about 7 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg, about 4 mg/kg, about 3 mg/kg, about 2 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg, about 0.9 mg/kg, about 0.8 mg/kg, about 0.7 mg/kg, about 0.6 mg/kg, about 0.5 mg/kg, about 0.4 mg/kg, about 0.3 mg/kg, about 0.2 mg/kg, or about 0.1 mg/kg, of total anthocyanins in relation to patient body weight. In particular aspects, the dosage may be about 0.1 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg. The dosages as indicated above may be administered once per day, twice per day, three times per day, or more, as needed. Administration may be made with food, or before a meal. The appropriate dosage and dosage form will be readily determined by a person of skill in the art.

[00140] Various routes of administration may be used for the honey compositions as set out herein. This includes oral administration, for example, sublingual or buccal routes of administration. As examples, administration may be by tablet, capsule, sachet, spray, drops, elixir, linctus, lozenge, solution, emulsion, suspension, draught, tonic, puree, paste, syrup, gel, jelly, or other known means. Nasal, pharyngeal, and pulmonary administration are particularly noted, for example, intranasal or oropharyngeal routes of administration may be used. As examples, administration may be by aerosol, vapour, spray, drops, solution, emulsion, suspension, powder, particles, colloidal particles, nanoparticles, nebulisation, or other known means. Administration by injection, infusion, or implantation is also noted. For example, intravenous, intramuscular, transdermal, or subcutaneous administration may be used. The compositions disclosed herein are not limited to a particular route for administration. Different means of administration are known in the art and may be utilised by a skilled person. Different administration routes may also be combined as needed.

[00141] As additional aspects, the compositions of the present disclosure may be co administered with one or more agents to address infection and/or inflammation, and/or to assist with respiration. This may be a medication, prescription or non-prescription, or an alternative treatment, such as a herbal remedy, or an essential oil, e.g., for vaporisation and/or inhalation. Of particular interest is use of the composition of the present disclosure as a treatment during and/or following other treatments. For example, the composition may be formulated as a combined dosage form with one or more medicines or alternative treatments. Alternatively, the composition may be administered as a separate dosage form along with one or more medications or alternative treatments. The additional agent(s) may have one or more physiological effects, for example, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, bronchodilation, mucus relieving, and/or muscle relaxation effects. Any additional agent may be long or short acting, and may be directed to a particular type of infection or its symptom(s). [00142] The honey compositions may also be used in conjunction with one or more therapeutic devices. Of particular interest is the use of devices to remedy problems with breathing and/or oxygenation. Ventilation assistance may be by invasive or non-invasive means. For example, the subject may be assisted by one or more of: chest wall oscillation devices (e.g., high frequency vests), continuous expiratory pressure devices (CPEP machines), bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) devices, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, auto adjusting pressure devices (APAPs), variable pressure devices (VPAPs), negative pressure ventilation devices (NPVs), airway clearance devices, as well as various oxygen concentrators, oxygen tanks, and invasive ventilation devices.

EXAMPLES

[00143] The examples described herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

Example 1: Viricidal assay

Introduction

[00144] Testing was performed to determine if manuka honey solutions inactivate

SARS-CoV-2 when exposed for a contact time of 1 hour. Vims solutions and diluted manuka honey samples were mixed for the liquid-liquid contact period, then surviving infectious virus was quantified by standard endpoint dilution and compared with untreated controls.

Materials and methodology

[00145] Virus, media, and cells: SARS-CoV-2 (US A- WA 1/2020, WRCEVA) vims stock was prepared prior to testing by growing in Vero 76 cells (ATCC) in MEM supplemented with 2% FBS and 50 pg/mL gentamicin (test media).

[00146] Viricidal assay: MANUKApli® (MM0049, ManukaMed®) medical grade manuka honey, pH 3.0-4.5, was diluted in water to reach final test concentrations of 20%, 10%, and 5%. SARS-CoV-2 vims solution and diluted samples were mixed and incubated together for 1 hour at room temperature. An untreated vims control of water only and a positive control of 50% EtOH were tested in parallel. For toxicity controls, media only (no vims) was added to each sample. The test was performed in triplicate. [00147] Following the contact period, samples were neutralized by 1/10 dilution in test media and stored at -80°C until time of vims quantification.

[00148] Virus quantification : Surviving virus from each sample was quantified by standard CCID50 end-point dilution assay. Samples were serially diluted 1/10 in test medium. Then 100 pL of each dilution were plated into quadruplicate wells of 96-well plates containing 80-90% confluent Vero 76 cells. Plates were incubated at 37 ± 2°C with 5% CO2 for 6 days. Each well was then scored for presence or absence of virus. The CCID50 values were calculated using the Reed-Muench (1948) equation. Three independent replicates of each sample were tested, and the average and standard deviation were calculated.

[00149] Results were compared with untreated controls by one-way ANOVA with

Dunnett’s multiple comparison tests using GraphPad Prism (version 8) software.

[00150] Controls : Vims controls were tested in water and the reduction of virus in test wells compared to virus controls was calculated as the log reduction value (LRV). Toxicity controls were tested with media not containing vims to see if the samples were toxic to cells. Neutralization controls were tested to ensure that virus inactivation did not continue after the specified contact time, and that residual sample in the titer assay plates did not inhibit growth and detection of surviving vims. This was done by adding toxicity samples to titer test plates then spiking each well with a low amount of virus that would produce an observable amount of cytopathic effect (CPE) during the incubation period.

Results

[00151] Table 1 shows results for SARS-CoV-2 virus titers and LRV after one-hour contact with MANUKApli® samples. No toxicity was seen in Vero 76 cells with any of the tested concentrations after neutralization by 1/10 dilution.

[00152] SARS-CoV-2 was significantly reduced from 4.8 to 2.2, 2.0, and 2.8

CCID50 per 0.1 mL by 20%, 10%, and 5% (v/v) MANUKApli® concentrations, respectively (P<0.0001).

[00153] Neutralization controls demonstrated that residual sample inhibited virus growth and detection in the endpoint titer assays at the 1/10 dilution of the 20% concentration. Since virus was detected below that dilution, it did not affect the calculation of CID50 or LRV. Inhibition of vims detection was not observed at any other concentration.

[00154] Virus controls and positive controls performed as expected. Table 1. Viricidal activity of manuka honey against SARS-CoV-2

Sample

(concentration) _ Virus (CCID50 per 0.1 mL)^a _ LRV^b

MANUKApli® (20%) 2.2 ± 0.2**** 2.6

MANUKApli® (10%) 2.0 ± 0.3**** 2.8

MANUKApli® (5%) 2.8 ± 0.2**** 2.0

EtOH (50%) 0.8 ± 0.2**** 4.0

Virus Control 4.8 ± 0.5 ^a Average of 3 replicates ± standard deviation ^b LRV (log reduction value) is the logio reduction of vims compared to the vims control 0.0001 by one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s multiple comparison test, compared with untreated vims control (water).

Conclusion

[00155] SARS-CoV-2 reductions of 99%, approximately 99.18%, and approximately 99.7% were observed following addition of manuka honey at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20% (v/v), respectively. Accordingly, honey compositions, particularly manuka and other Leptospermum honeys, are expected to have significant viricidal activity against coronavimses, including SARS strains.

[00156] Persons of ordinary skill can utilise the disclosures and teachings herein to produce other embodiments and variations without undue experimentation. All such embodiments and variations are considered to be part of this teaching.

[00157] Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure that later modifications, substitutions, and/or variations performing substantially the same function or achieving substantially the same result as embodiments described herein may be utilised according to such related embodiments. Thus, the disclosure is intended to encompass, within its scope, the modifications, substitutions, and variations to processes, manufactures, compositions of matter, compounds, means, methods, and/or steps set out herein.

[00158] The description herein may contain subject matter that falls outside of the scope of the claimed invention. This subject matter is included to aid understanding of the invention. [00159] In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A composition comprising Leptospermum honey for treating a coronavirus infection in a subject.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the human coronavirus is a SARS virus.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the human coronavirus is SARS- CoV-2.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition comprises manuka honey.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

11. A composition comprising Leptospermum honey for preventing a coronavirus infection in a subject.

12. The composition according to claim 11, wherein the coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

13. The composition of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the human coronavirus is a SARS virus.

14. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the human coronavirus is SARS- CoV-2.

15. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the composition comprises manuka honey.

16. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

17. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

18. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

19. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

20. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

21. A composition comprising Leptospermum honey for the treatment of a coronavirus infection of the respiratory tract of a subject.

22. The composition according to claim 21, wherein the coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

23. The composition of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the human coronavirus is a SARS virus.

24. The composition of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the human coronavirus is S ARS- CoV-2.

25. The composition of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the composition comprises manuka honey.

26. The composition of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

27. The composition of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

28. The composition of any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

29. The composition of any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

30. The composition of any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein the composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

31. A composition comprising Leptospermum honey for the prevention of a coronavirus infection of the respiratory tract of a subject.

32. The composition according to claim 31, wherein the coronavirus is a human coronavims.

33. The composition of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the human coronavirus is a SARS virus.

34. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the human coronavirus is S ARS- CoV-2.

35. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the composition comprises manuka honey.

36. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

37. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 % manuka honey by weight or by volume.

38. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

39. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the composition is adapted for oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

40. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the composition is adapted for administration by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

41. A method of treating a coronavirus infection in a subject, wherein the method comprises administering a composition comprising Leptospermum honey to the subject, thereby treating the coronavirus infection.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

43. The method of claim 41 or claim 42, wherein the human coronavirus is a SARS vims.

44. The method of any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the human coronavirus is SARS- CoV-2.

45. The method of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the composition comprises manuka honey.

46. The method of any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

47. The method of any one of claims 41 to 46, wherein the composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

48. The method of any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

49. The method of any one of claims 41 to 48, wherein the administering is by oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

50. The method of any one of claims 41 to 49, wherein the administering is by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

51. A method of preventing a coronavirus infection in a subject, wherein the method comprises administering a composition comprising Leptospermum honey to the subject, thereby preventing the coronavirus infection.

52. The method according to claim 51, wherein the coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

53. The method of claim 51 or claim 52, wherein the human coronavirus is a SARS vims.

54. The method of any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the human coronavirus is SARS- CoV-2.

55. The method of any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the composition comprises manuka honey.

56. The method of any one of claims 51 to 55, wherein the composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

57. The method of any one of claims 51 to 56, wherein the composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

58. The method of any one of claims 51 to 57, wherein the Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

59. The method of any one of claims 51 to 58, wherein the administering is by oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

60. The method of any one of claims 51 to 59, wherein the administering is by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

61. A method of treating a coronavirus infection in a respiratory tract of a subject, wherein the method comprises administering a composition comprising Leptospermum honey to the respiratory tract of the subject, thereby treating the coronavirus infection.

62. The method according to claim 61, wherein the coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

63. The method of claim 61 or claim 62, wherein the human coronavirus is a SARS virus.

64. The method of any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein the human coronavirus is SARS- CoV-2.

65. The method of any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein the composition comprises manuka honey.

66. The method of any one of claims 61 to 65, wherein the composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

67. The method of any one of claims 61 to 66, wherein the composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

68. The method of any one of claims 61 to 67, wherein the Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

69. The method of any one of claims 61 to 68, wherein the administering is by oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

70. The method of any one of claims 61 to 69, wherein the administering is by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.

71. A method of preventing a coronavirus infection of a respiratory tract in a subject, wherein the method comprises administering a composition comprising Leptospermum honey to the respiratory tract of the subject, thereby preventing the coronavirus infection.

72. The method according to claim 71, wherein the coronavirus is a human coronavirus.

73. The method of claim 71 or claim 72, wherein the human coronavirus is a SARS virus.

74. The method of any one of claims 71 to 73, wherein the human coronavirus is SARS- CoV-2.

75. The method of any one of claims 71 to 74, wherein the composition comprises manuka honey.

76. The method of any one of claims 71 to 75, wherein the composition comprises at least 2% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

77. The method of any one of claims 71 to 76, wherein the composition comprises at least 5% manuka honey by weight or by volume.

78. The method of any one of claims 71 to 77, wherein the Leptospermum honey is Leptospermum scoparium honey.

79. The method of any one of claims 71 to 78, wherein the administering is by oral, nasal, pharyngeal, or pulmonary administration.

80. The method of any one of claims 71 to 79, wherein the administering is by an aerosolisation device, a vaporisation device, a nebulisation device, a metered-dose inhaler, or a dry powder inhaler.