Building a stronger first line of defence against respiratory viruses
Professor Nathan Bartlett from HMRI is leading the development of a nasal spray treatment, INNA-051, designed to block respiratory viruses before they cause infection. The treatment has successfully advanced to Phase 2 clinical trials in the United States.
Why it matters
This innovation offers a potential new preventative tool to reduce the seasonal burden of respiratory illnesses on healthcare systems and communities.
here About us Strategy Our partners Our Team Fundraising partners BorneHMRI Hunter Children’s Research Foundation Hunter Transplant Research Foundation Governance Contact us Impact Research Research programs Researchers Research services Hunter New England Clinical Trials Clinical Trials Support Unit Clinical Trials Facility Clinical Trials Coordinating Centre Biostatistics Data Management Health Informatics Grants Development Health economics Histology Imaging centre Impact and evaluation Get involved Support us Donate Regular giving Corporate giving Gift in Will Donate in memory Fundraise Philanthropic giving Volunteer Partner with us Participate in research Events HMRI Health Pulse HMRI Dementia Exchange News and stories Discover Hub Subscribe to eNews Media Centre Searcher Magazine About us Strategy Our partners Our Team Fundraising partners BorneHMRI Hunter Children’s Research Foundation Hunter Transplant Research Foundation Governance Contact us Impact Research Research programs Researchers Research services Hunter New England Clinical Trials Clinical Trials Support Unit Clinical Trials Facility Clinical Trials Coordinating Centre Biostatistics Data Management Health Informatics Grants Development Health economics Histology Imaging centre Impact and evaluation Get involved Support us Donate Regular giving Corporate giving Gift in Will Donate in memory Fundraise Philanthropic giving Volunteer Partner with us Participate in research Events HMRI Health Pulse HMRI Dementia Exchange News and stories Discover Hub Subscribe to eNews Media Centre Searcher Magazine Donate Partner on a Clinical Trial About us Strategy Our partners Our Team Fundraising partners BorneHMRI Hunter Children’s Research Foundation Hunter Transplant Research Foundation Governance Contact us Impact Research Research programs Researchers Research services Hunter New England Clinical Trials Clinical Trials Support Unit Clinical Trials Facility Clinical Trials Coordinating Centre Biostatistics Data Management Health Informatics Grants Development Health economics Histology Imaging centre Impact and evaluation Get involved Support us Donate Regular giving Corporate giving Gift in Will Donate in memory Fundraise Philanthropic giving Volunteer Partner with us Participate in research Events HMRI Health Pulse HMRI Dementia Exchange News and stories Discover Hub Subscribe to eNews Media Centre Searcher Magazine About us Strategy Our partners Our Team Fundraising partners BorneHMRI Hunter Children’s Research Foundation Hunter Transplant Research Foundation Governance Contact us Impact Research Research programs Researchers Research services Hunter New England Clinical Trials Clinical Trials Support Unit Clinical Trials Facility Clinical Trials Coordinating Centre Biostatistics Data Management Health Informatics Grants Development Health economics Histology Imaging centre Impact and evaluation Get involved Support us Donate Regular giving Corporate giving Gift in Will Donate in memory Fundraise Philanthropic giving Volunteer Partner with us Participate in research Events HMRI Health Pulse HMRI Dementia Exchange News and stories Discover Hub Subscribe to eNews Media Centre Searcher Magazine / Home / Building a stronger first line of defence against respiratory viruses Home / Research / Infection Research / Building a stronger first line of defence against respiratory viruses Building a stronger first line of defence against respiratory viruses Date Published: June 5, 2026 Professor Nathan Bartlett is helping develop a nasal spray that could stop respiratory viruses before they take hold. The treatment, INNA-051, has progressed to Phase 2 clinical trials in the United States. As respiratory illness rises, Professor Bartlett says vaccination and good hygiene remain key to staying healthy this winter. Respiratory viruses continue to place significant pressure on communities and healthcare services each winter. During the peak of the 2025 flu season, more than 1,000 people were presenting to NSW emergency departments each week with influenza-like illness . For Professor Nathan Bartlett, a virologist at the University of Newcastle and leader of HMRI s Infection Research Program, those numbers highlight the need for better ways to stop infections before they take hold. Respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV and COVID-19 can have serious consequences for older adults, young children and people living with chronic health conditions. Finding new ways to prevent these infections before they cause harm has been a major focus of Professor Bartlett s research career.
The content is a straightforward report on medical research and clinical trial progress without political or ideological framing.
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