FIELD OF INVENTION

The field of invention relates to medical devices for therapeutic use. More specifically, it relates to an integrable microprocessor controlled delivery device for treating coronavirus infections including covid-19 and method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Integrable is defined as “capable of being integrated” ( https.V/www.merriam - webster.com/dictionary/integrable ); Integrate is defined as to form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole or to seamlessly incorporate into a larger unit

“https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrate� �. Thus it follows that integrable means that it can be integrated with another device or can work as a standalone device as well.

Controlled Delivery Device - Used in the context of the present invention, it refers to a device in general, which can deliver specific agents of the invention in aerosolized form to the nasal passage, mouth and lungs of an infected patient in a controlled manner and can be integrated in line with Ventilators. pH Modulation- Used in the context of present invention it refers to change of pH of respiratory tract in controlled manner by use of physiologically compatible alkalizing agent.

Respiratory tract- the passage formed by the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs, through which air passes during breathing.

Delivery of specific agents of the invention in conjunction- Used in the context of the present invention, the word ‘in conjunction’ means delivery of the agents not simultaneously as one unit, but one after the other, for achieving improved therapeutic benefits, which are better than if agents are given alone.

Covid-19- It refers to the disease caused by a specific mutated variety of coronavirus which has been assigned the name SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2- Refers to the mutated variety of coronavirus responsible for the Covid-19 disease ( www.thelancet.com Vol 395 March 21, 2020 ; weblink https://www.tiielaneet.com/pdfs/¾oiirnals/jancet/P]]S0140-6 736(20)30557-2.pdf)

Aerosolizer - It is defined as “a device for aerosolizing” (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/aerosolizer; https://en.wiktionary.Org/wiki/aerosoliser#English). Aerosolize is defined as “Convert into a fine spray or colloidal suspension in air” (https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/aerosolize). It follows that Aerosolizer is a device for producing a fine spray of liquid or colloidal suspension in air by a vibrating mesh and delivered through a mask ensuring inhalation through the nasal tract and mouth simultaneously.

Mechanical Ventilator - A mechanical ventilator is a machine that helps a patient breathe (ventilate) when he or she cannot breathe on his or her own for any reason. Mechanical ventilation- or assisted ventilation, is the medical term for artificial ventilation where mechanical means are used to assist or replace spontaneous breathing. This may involve a machine called a ventilator, or the breathing may be assisted manually by a suitably qualified professional, such as an anesthesiologist, respiratory therapist (RT), Registered Nurse, or paramedic, by compressing a bag valve mask device.

Invasive and Non-invasive mechanical ventilation- Mechanical ventilation is termed "invasive" if it involves any instrument inside the trachea through the mouth, such as an endotracheal tube or the skin, such as a tracheostomy tube. Face or nasal masks are used for non- invasive ventilation in appropriately selected conscious patients. (Ref: https://en. Wikipedia. org/wiki/Mechanical_ventilation )

Vaccines -A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease. A vaccine typically contains an agent that resembles a disease- causing microorganism and is often made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe, its toxins, or one of its surface proteins. The agent stimulates the body's immune system to recognize the agent as a threat, destroy it, and to further recognize and destroy any of the microorganisms associated with that agent that it may encounter in the future. Vaccines can be preventive or prophylactic (to prevent or ameliorate the effects of a future infection by a natural or "wild" pathogen), or therapeutic (e.g. vaccines against cancer, which are yet being investigated for therapeutic efficacy). ( https: //en. wikipedia.org/wikiA'accine ).

Active immunization vs Passive Immunization - When a person receives active immunization, the vaccine prevents the infectious disease by activating the body’s production of antibodies that can fight off invading bacteria or viruses. Passive immunization, in which antibodies against a particular infectious agent are given directly to the child or adult, is sometimes appropriate. (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety- prevention/immunizations/Pages/Immunizations%20Active-vs-Pas sive.aspx)

Covid-19 and its impact on mankind

Covid-19 has subsumed the very existence of mankind and for want of a cure and locked down the entire world causing financial meltdown and complete uncertainty. During the first 3 weeks of the Covid-19 outbreak in the Seattle area, the most common reasons for admission to the ICU were hypoxemic respiratory failure leading to mechanical ventilation, hypotension requiring vasopressor treatment, or both. Mortality among these critically ill patients was high. Of the 1591 critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to ICUs in Lombardy, Italy, a large proportion required mechanical ventilation and respiratory support involving high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and ICU mortality was 26%.World over, there are currently 3,320,613confirmed cases and 234,393 deaths from the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak as of May 1, 2020, as given in Table 1 below: Table 1: Global Status of Covid-19

Source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

Coronaviruses - A Category of RNA viruses responsible for respiratory infections

Coronaviruses are a large family, but only seven of its members infect humans. Four types cause minor illnesses like the common cold, while other coronaviruses have triggered far more devastating impacts such as SARS, MERS, and now COVID-19. Coronaviruses account for up to 30 percent of upper respiratory tract infections in adults and are named “corona” (like a crown) because their membranes are studded by spike-like proteins. 1. The sectional view of the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus is depicted in Fig. 1. Epidemics in the past caused by Corona viruses and facts relating to the same including COVID-19 disease are given in Table 2 below:

Table 2: Disease Outbreaks Caused by Human Coronaviruses

( Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus)

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus

It starts in the respiratory tract, causing pneumonia-like symptoms. Once the virus enters the human body, it looks for cell proteins called receptors. If the virus finds a compatible receptor, it can invade and start replicating itself. On March 2020, in the journal Science, a research team led by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin described the tiny molecular key on SARS- CoV-2 that gives the virus entry into the cell. This key is called a spike protein, or S -protein. ( Cryo-EM structure of the 2019-nCoV spike in the prefusion conformation by Daniel Wrapp et al DOI: 10.1126/science. abb2507). For SARS-CoV-2, these Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 or ACE2 receptors are abundantly present in humans in the epithelia of the lung and small intestine, which might explain the most common route of entry for the Covid-19 being found in the lung cells. ACE2 proteins are also present in the other human organs like oral and nasal mucosa, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx etc.

Symptoms- The most common symptoms of COVID-19 disease and which may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure are Fever, Cough and Dyspnea (difficult or laboured breathing).

Current approaches to treatment of Covid-19 and their limitations

• Vaccines - They are mainly PREVENTIVE and NOT THERAPEUTIC. Lag period and final approval will take time. It could take at least one and half to two years before a vaccine is ready for public use. 82 vaccines are in preclinical evaluation as of April 26, 2020. (https:/A\nm\wh0.int/who-dociiments-detaU/draft-landscape-of -covid-19-candidate- vaccines). • Re-purposing of drugs - Detailed clinical trials are required to either identify promising therapeutic drugs or repurposed drugs that may alleviate the symptoms and accelerate recovery. Trials with Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine which is an oral drug established for treating malaria and Remdesivir which is an intravenous injectable drug made for treating Ebola virus are ongoing. Remdesivir has been granted emergency FDA approval as it has shown reduction in mortality rate and reduction in recovery duration in some patients.

Problem solved by the present invention

While vaccines involve long lag period and are mainly ‘preventive’, re-purposed drugs have major issues of toxicity at high doses and also lack of desired therapeutic efficacy. The present invention has solved the problem by using a very innovative approach involving “pH modulation of the respiratory tract by means of controlled delivery device . as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of COVID-19 disease”. The outcome of the present invention is reduction in mortality rate and marked improvement in symptoms of discomfort in COVID-19 patients.

Introduction to the present invention

The present invention discloses a new approach for the treatment of COVID-19 disease by pH modulation involving alkalization of the respiratory tract by an integrable microprocessor controlled delivery device, as a therapeutic approach”. The integrable microprocessor controlled delivery device consists of an Aerosolizer (3) which delivers specific agents in aerosol form; a microprocessor (4) which automatically controls delivery of the agents, without human intervention and a variable syringe (1) with pump or driver to deliver agents to the Aerosolizer. The device can be easily integrated with a humidifier (10) or a ventilator (11) for providing relief to such patients. Two agents are delivered by the device. One agent is a physiologically compatible alkalizing agent viz. sodium bicarbonate of 3 - 8.4 % strength, pH- 8.0 - 8.6 at 20°C, in quantity of 3 - 6 ml per session and upto 2 sessions with a gap of 8 hours daily, of duration 7 minutes - 30 minutes, for a period of 14 - 30 days. This agent leads to inactivation of the virus and prevents spread of the disease, since the virus requires acidic environment (pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5) to attach and enter the cells & propagate. The second agent delivered in conjunction with the alkalizing agent is a corticosteroid ciclesonide, which is anti-inflammatory and prevents bronchospasm and is delivered to the patient in aerosolized form, in quantity ranging from 160-200 micrograms. A hypotonic aqueous suspension of ciclesonide is prepared, containing microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, hypromellose, potassium sorbate and edetate sodium; and hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to 4.5 Both the agents are given in conjunction and not simultaneously as one unit owing to instability of ciclesonide hypotonic aqueous suspension at alkaline pH {Ref: Patent No. EP 1 697398 Bl; European Patent). Delivery of alkalizing agent in conjunction with ciclesonide prevents bronchospasm and inflammation, providing significant and quick relief to the patient.

The agents are loaded into the device in fixed quantity or controlled by a mechanized depression of the syringe plunger and are aerosolized by a vibrating mesh (3C) of the Aerosolizer (3) and thereafter delivered in aerosol form to the nasal passages, mouth and lungs vide a face mask (non-invasive ventilator face mask or a ventilated nebulizer mask) put on the patient receiving the treatment. Both the masks have suitable filters attached (N95 and above) to capture the virus particles in the exhaled air. A nasal canula may be used for delivery of aerosolized ciclesonide.

This is an important delivery module because alkalization with the aerosolized agents is necessary in the nose, mouth, pharynx and the lungs simultaneously so as to achieve complete deactivation of the coronavirus SARS-COV-2, as these are the areas where the ACE2 receptors are found in the respiratory tract to which the virus attaches for entry and spread.

If the viral proteins which are responsible for its attachment and entry, are themselves inactivated by pH modulation of the respiratory tract, by controlled delivery of specific agents to the tract, then treatment can be carried out effectively.

In case of asymptomatic patients positive for Covid-19 (as assessed by RT-PCR diagnostic test) it is proposed to deliver the alkalizing agent initially and only if the patient experiences any bronchospasms, then the other anti-inflammatory agent is to be delivered in conjunction. A standard protocol for an infectious disease like Covid-19 is that upon confirmation through RT-PCR Test, isolation of the patient is done for at least 14 -15 days for asymptomatic but positive for Covid-19 and much longer for symptomatic patients till possible discharge after recovering (tested negative). This protocol is presumed to be applicable at all times during the existence of this pandemic and thus this invention for a therapeutic cure would be applicable for the entire duration of the patient’s isolation.

The subjects infected with Covid-19 sometimes develop fever. For alleviation of fever, suitable antipyretic drugs in addition to delivery of the alkalizing and anti-inflammatory agents of present invention need to be administered.

The present invention thus offers a practical and easy approach to treat patients suffering from COVID-19 disease, airways reactive dysfunction syndrome (ARDS) or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and is fast, inexpensive and easy to scale up. The outcome of the present invention is reduction in mortality rate and marked improvement in symptoms of discomfort, in COVID-19 patients.

Scientific Rationale

Acidification of cellular environment in the respiratory tract and lungs is a key factor in coronavirus attachment and spread. The internalization of the virus into the nucleus of the cell is dependent on a low pH. The trafficking and processing steps that occur in cells that are infected with a coronavirus play a crucial role in the outcome of infection.

The spike glycoprotein (S protein) on the virion surface mediates receptor recognition and membrane fusion. During viral infection, the trimeric S protein is cleaved into SI and S2 subunits and SI subunits are released in the transition to the post fusion conformation. SI contains the receptor binding domain (RBD), which directly binds to the peptidase domain (PD) of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), whereas S2 is responsible for membrane fusion. When SI binds to the host receptor ACE2, another cleavage site on S2 is exposed and is cleaved by host proteases, a process that is critical for viral infection. ( Alexandra et al; Structure, function and antigenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.19.956581). Following replication, the newly formed viral genomes leave the nucleus and assemble into infectious particles at the plasma membrane. The targeting and processing of the various viral components at this stage of the infectious cycle can have a major effect on the ability of the virus to spread and cause disease in its host.

Coronaviruses are activated at acidic pH i.e. at pH 6.0. A study by Sturman et al. 1990 ( Sturman LS, Ricard CS, Holmes KV. Conformational change of the coronavirus peplomer glycoprotein at pH 8.0 and 37 degrees C correlates with virus aggregation and virus -induced cell fusion. J Virol.1990; 64:3042-3050), disclosed that coronavirus is stable at pH 6.0 and 37 degree Celsius (half-life, approximately 24 hours) but is rapidly and irreversibly inactivated by brief treatment at pH 8.0 and 37 degree Celsius (half-life, approximately 30 minutes) UNDER IN VITRO CONDITIONS using cultured cell lines (7 Cl 1 and L2 lines of mouse fibroblasts) and the virus MHV-A59 (Coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus). The importance of these changes was reflected in the loss of virus infectivity, the aggregation of virions, and increased virus-induced cell fusion at the same pH.

Physiology of heat and moisture entering the respiratory tract through nose and mouth

In present invention, delivery of the agents is in aerosolized form and these agents automatically reach the desired temperature of 37 degree Celsius on reaching the lungs. Same is depicted in Fig. 2. The nose heats and humidifies gas on inspiration and cools and reclaims water from gas that is exhaled. When a person inhales through the mouth at normal room temperature, pharyngeal temperatures are approximately 3° C less than when the person breathes through the nose, with 20% less relative humidity. As inspired gas moves into the lungs, it achieves “BTPS” conditions (BT~ body temperature i.e. 37° C; P~ barometric pressure; S~ saturated with water vapor [100% relative humidity at 37° C]). The aerosolized alkalizing agent thus achieves the desired temperature to inactivate the Coronavirus, as deduced from the published studies.

Aerosolized Sodium Bicarbonate- Mechanisms and Pharmacological Safety Aspects

Sodium bicarbonate is a nonspecific antidote effective in the treatment of a variety of poisonings including pulmonary injuries resulting from phosgene and chlorine gas inhalation exposures. Inhaled sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the hydrochloric acid that is formed when phosgene or chlorine gas react with the water in the respiratory tree. Inhalation of three mL of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate mixed with 2 mL of normal saline to prepare a 5 mL of a 5% sodium bicarbonate solution has been reported {Ref: Bosse GM. Nebulized sodium bicarbonate in the treatment of chlorine gas inhalation. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1994; 32 (3):233-41 ). Prior art literature relating to safety of inhaled sodium bicarbonate solution is summarized in Table 3 and same is self- explanatory.

Table 3: Quantity and Concentrations of Sodium Bicarbonate solutions used for nebulization Thus, use of sodium bicarbonate solution of 3 - 8.4 % strength, pH- 8.0 - 8.6 at 20°C and delivered in quantity of 3 - 6 ml per session and upto 2 sessions with a gap of 8 hours daily, of duration 7 minutes - 30 minutes, for a period of 14 to 30 days as proposed in present invention, is absolutely safe and well-supported by clinical use and related case studies and publications.

Agent-2: The corticosteroid - ciclesonide: Ciclesonide is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by decreasing swelling and irritation in the airways to allow for easier breathing (https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609004.html). The therapeutic action of ciclesonide is achieved after the inhaled parent compound is cleaved by esterases in the lungs to its active metabolite (des-CIC), a corticosteroid with high receptor affinity and anti inflammatory activity. Safety aspects of ciclesonide have been reviewed (Schaffner, T. J., & Skoner, D. P. (2009). Ciclesonide: a safe and effective inhaled corticosteroid for the treatment of asthma. Journal of asthma and allergy, 2, 25 32. https: //do i. org/l 0.2147/jaa. s4651 ) . It is one of the safest corticosteroids, free from the side-effects associated with other steroidal drugs. In present invention, a single dose of aerosolized ciclesonide from 160 micrograms to 200 micrograms is recommended. Ciclesonide nasal spray works by preventing and decreasing inflammation (swelling that can cause other symptoms) in the trachea. (htlps;//medimeplns.gov/druginfo;'meds/a607QQ8.bu:rs1). Nebulized ciclesonide formulation has been reported for in vivo inhalation ( F . Tao-Tao, Z. Yun, Y. Fei-Fei, W. Flan, L. Chun-Yu, L. Yong-Hong, Ciclesonide and Budesonide Suspensions for Nebulization Delivery: An In Vivo Inhalation Biopharmaceutics Investigation, International Journal of Pharmaceutics (2018), doi: https://doi.org/] 0.1016/j. ijpharm.2018.07.048).

Prior Art

US20080000473 discloses “ Methods for limiting spread of pulmonary infections” by use of agents which alter physical properties such as surface tension and surface elasticity of lung mucus lining fluid, which may be a surfactant and optionally, a carrier. These may include proteins such as albumin or polysaccharides such as dextran, which also has surface active properties, or polymers such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) or biodegradable synthetic polymers which can be used to encapsulate or deliver the materials to be delivered. The materials are disclosed for pulmonary administration by using a dry powder inhaler or metered dose inhaler. US 2008/0000473 discloses pH-based methods and devices for preventing hemagglutinin cell membrane fusion e.g. in case of infections caused by influenza viruses. However, mode of infection of Coronaviruses is totally different from influenza viruses. Spike proteins present in Coronaviruses which are responsible for attachment of the virus to ACE2 receptors are not present in influenza viruses at all.

WO2014066856A1 discloses “Inhalable influenza vaccine compositions and methods”. Dry powder inhalable compositions and methods for using and making the compositions are disclosed for vaccinating a subject against disease.

From the above it is clear that the innovative approach adopted in present invention i.e. inactivation of SARS-Cov-2 virus by pH modulation involving alkalization of respiratory tract is neither anticipated nor disclosed, thus making it clear that it is ‘not obvious to those skilled in the art’ as is evident from total lack of focus on this approach, in any of the research focus areas as disclosed in public domain.

There is a database of treatments and research for Covid-19 put out in the public domain by W.H.O. and a keyword search for “Sodium Bicarbonate” returns nil documents. Keyword search for nebulizer show 4 documents of which 2 relate to the possible propagation of the virus from the patient receiving nebulization, one for a distinct drug as a proposed therapy and one which concludes “For patients who need aerosol therapy, dry powder inhaler metered dose inhaler with spacer is recommended for spontaneous breathing patient ; while vibrating mesh nebulizer is recommended for ventilated patients and additional filter is recommended to be placed at the expiratory port of ventilation during nebulization. ” ( DOI : 10.3760 / cma.j.issn.1001- 0939.2020.0020). The web address of the search engine is “https://search.bvsalud.org/global- literature-on-novel-coronavirus-2019- ncov/?output=site&lang=en&from=0 &sort= &format=summary&count=20&fb= &page=l &skf p= &index=tw&q= &searchflbrm_submit= ” OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to disclose an integrable microprocessor controlled delivery device for treating Covid-19 and other respiratory viral infections by use of two specific agents in conjunction.

Another object is to disclose the method of its use.

Another object is to disclose that use of the device and the method thereof will lead to reduction in mortality rate and marked improvement in symptoms of discomfort in Covid-19 patients.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Numbering Details

1 - Syringe for delivery of metered quantity of agents to Aerosolizer

1 A - Syringe Tubing

2 - USB power cable

2 A - Socket for USB power cable present inside the Aerosolizer

3 - Aerosolizer consisting of parts:

3A - Medication cup or chamber of Aerosolizer

3B - Silicone Plug over the Medication cup or chamber of Aerosolizer

3 C - Vibrating Mesh made of inert noble metal

4 - Microprocessor controller

4 A - Universal Power Adaptor

5 - Face Mask Elbow

6 - Vented Elbow

7 - Exhalation Port fitted with filter to trap virus in exhaled air e.g. N95 filter

8 - Tubing for taking air into the humidifier

9 - Tubing for taking air away from the humidifier

10 - Humidifier

11 - Mechanical Ventilator

12 - T-Joint adapter to connect Aerosolizer sequentially with ventilator and/or humidifier SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a new approach for the treatment of COVID -19 disease by pH modulation involving alkalization of the respiratory tract by an integrable microprocessor controlled delivery device, as a therapeutic approach The integrable microprocessor controlled delivery device consists of an Aerosolizer (3) which delivers specific agents in aerosol form; a microprocessor (4) which automatically controls delivery of the agents, without human intervention and a variable syringe (1) with pump or driver to deliver agents to the Aerosolizer. The device can be easily integrated with a humidifier (10) or a ventilator (11) for providing relief to such patients. Two agents are delivered by the device. One agent is a physiologically compatible alkalizing agent viz. sodium bicarbonate of 3 - 8.4 % strength, pH- 8.0 - 8.6 at 20°C in quantity of 3 - 6 ml per session and upto 2 sessions with a gap of 8 hours daily, of duration 7 minutes - 30 minutes, for a period of 14 - 30 days. This agent leads to inactivation of the virus and prevents spread of the disease, since the virus requires acidic environment (pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5) to attach and enter the cells & propagate. The second agent delivered in conjunction with the alkalizing agent is a corticosteroid ciclesonide, which is anti-inflammatory and prevents bronchospasm and is delivered to the patient in aerosolized form, in quantity ranging from 160- 200 micrograms. A hypotonic aqueous suspension of ciclesonide is prepared, containing microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, hypromellose, potassium sorbate and edetate sodium; and hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to 4.5 Both the agents are given in conjunction and not simultaneously as one unit owing to instability of ciclesonide hypotonic aqueous suspension at alkaline pH {Ref: Patent No. EP 1 697 398 Bl; European Patent ). Delivery of alkalizing agent in conjunction with ciclesonide prevents bronchospasm and inflammation, providing significant and quick relief to the patient.

The agents are loaded into the device in fixed quantity or controlled by a mechanized depression of the syringe plunger and are aerosolized by a vibrating mesh (3C) of the Aerosolizer (3) and thereafter delivered in aerosol form to the nasal passages, mouth and lungs vide a face mask (non-invasive ventilator face mask or a ventilated nebulizer mask) put on the patient receiving the treatment. Masks have attached suitable filters (N95 and above) to capture the virus particles in the exhaled air. A nasal canula may be used for delivery of aerosolized ciclesonide. This is an important delivery module because alkalization with the aerosolized agents is necessary in the nose, mouth, pharynx and the lungs simultaneously so as to achieve complete deactivation of the coronavirus SARS-COV-2, as these are the areas where the ACE2 receptors are found in the respiratory tract to which the virus attaches for entry and spread. If the viral proteins which are responsible for its attachment and entry, are themselves inactivated by pH modulation of the respiratory tract, by controlled delivery of specific agents to the tract, then treatment can be carried out effectively. In case of asymptomatic patients positive for Covid-19 (as assessed by RT-PCR diagnostic test) it is proposed to deliver only the alkalizing agent and only if the patient experiences any bronchospasms, then the other anti-inflammatory agent is to be delivered in conjunction.

A standard protocol for an infectious disease like Covid-19 is that upon confirmation through RT-PCR Test, isolation of the patient is done for at least 14 -15 days for asymptomatic but positive for Covid-19 and much longer for symptomatic patients till possible discharge after recovering (tested negative). This protocol is presumed to be applicable at all times during the existence of this pandemic and thus this invention for a therapeutic cure would be applicable for the entire duration of the patient’s isolation. The subjects infected with Covid-19 sometimes develop fever. For alleviation of fever, suitable antipyretic drugs in addition to delivery of the alkalizing and anti-inflammatory agents of present invention need to be administered. The present invention thus offers a practical and easy approach to treat patients suffering from COVID-19 disease, airways reactive dysfunction syndrome (ARDS) or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and is fast, inexpensive and easy to scale up. The outcome of the present invention is reduction in mortality rate and marked improvement in symptoms of discomfort, in COVID-19 patients.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a new approach for the treatment of COVID-19 disease by pH modulation involving alkalization of the respiratory tract using an integrable microprocessor controlled delivery device, as a therapeutic approach. Constructional Features of the device:

The integrable microprocessor controlled delivery device consists of: an Aerosolizer (3) which delivers specific agents in aerosol form; a microprocessor controller (4) which automatically controls delivery of the agents, without human intervention and; a variable syringe (1) with pump or driver to deliver agents to the Aerosolizer.

Description of the Parts and their operation

Aerosolizer (3) - is further consisting of

Medication cup or chamber (3A) in which small quantity of the defined agent(s) in liquid form (3 to 6 ml) is placed after opening the plug (3B) which seals the cavity; high frequency precisely perforated vibratory pad made of an inert noble metal (3C) which converts the liquid agent into aerosol form

Microprocessor controller (4) - with in-built timer powered by a universal adapter (4A) so as to select Aerosolization delivery time and switch off the supply to the vibratory mesh pad (3C) of the Aerosolizer (3), when the selected time is over.

Variable syringe (1) with pump or driver (Fig 5) - to deliver agents to the Aerosolizer Medication cup or chamber (3A) by opening the plug (3B) and inserting the syringe tubing (1A) into it and attaching the Aerosolizer (Fig 4) to the T joint adaptor i.e. leading to the face mask, through which the agents are delivered to the patient.

The Aerosolizer can be integrally used with a humidifier (10) with the said device (Fig 3) fitted on the suction end or the dry end of the humidifier (10) as shown in Fig. 7 and with a mechanical ventilator (11) as depicted in Fig. 8.

Method of use of the device of invention with reference to the Drawings

The method of use of the device consists of following steps:

Filling alkalizing agent into the device - the agent is filled into Medication cup or chamber (3A) of the Aerosolizer (3) which has a capacity to hold small volume of agent in liquid form e.g. 3 - 6 ml. The device is connected to the microprocessor controller by means of USB cable (2).

Connecting device to mask - Delivery port of the Aerosolizer (3) is connected to the tubing leading to the face mask using a universally compatible and integrable T joint adaptor (12) (Fig 5);

Fitting a mask over the patient’s mouth and nose- The mask is fitted over the face of patient to cover mouth and nose (Fig. 6 A and B). The mask has a filter e.g. N95 filter to capture the virus before the exhaled breath condensate is released from the exhalation Port (7) as shown in Fig. 6 C.

Powering the Aerosolizer (3) - to activate the high frequency precisely perforated vibratory pad (3C) made of an inert noble metal for converting the alkalizing agent to aerosol form and pumping the same via the face mask to the patient

Delivering the second agent - in conjunction in the same manner as above preferably with a nasal canula.

Delivery Protocol of Alkalizing Agent

Delivery Protocol of the Alkalizing Agent (Sodium Bicarbonate of 3 - 8.4 % strength and pH ranging between 8.0 - 8.6 at 20°C) is as below: i. Quantity per session - 3 - 6 ml ii. Time Duration of each session - 7 minutes - 30 minutes iii. Sessions/day- 2 sessions with a gap of 8 hours daily iv. Duration of treat- 14 - 30 days

Delivery Protocol of Ciclesonide

The anti-inflammatory agent ciclesonide is delivered to the patient in aerosolized form, in quantity ranging from 160-200 micrograms per day. This solution is to be used with a syringe (1) attached to the Aerosolizer (3) to ensure accurate metered dose for patients with severe symptoms. This ensures ‘non-contact’ controlled delivery of the agent to a patient suffering from COVID-19, without any risk of contamination. This should be delivered using a nasal canula to avoid irritation in the oral passage. The agents of this invention are delivered in conjunction i.e. one after the other and not simultaneously as one unit because ciclesonide hypotonic aqueous suspension is unstable at alkaline pH {Ref: Patent No. EP 1 697398 Bl; European Patent ) and its simultaneous use with alkalizing agent is likely to render it unstable leading to reduction in therapeutic benefits. Hence, the agents are given in conjunction i.e. one after the other but not together.

Safety feature of the device

Since the transmission of the virus is very high from the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from the patient, a special filter (N95 or above) is fitted in the round ports of the nebulizer face mask or a suitable anti-viral filter is attached to the discharge port of the non-invasive face mask to capture the condensate before releasing the exhaled air. This is a critical control for the safety of the medics and health workers treating/ assisting in the treatment and care of the patients affected with Covid-19. The tube through which the exhaled breath is being discharged is further connected to an appropriate filter to capture any virus that may be present in the exhaled air.

Novelty, Inventive Step and Industrial Application

Novelty- Current approaches for Covid-19 pandemic are centered on development of vaccines or re-purposing of drugs. None of the approaches disclose or anticipate the innovative approach adopted in present invention i.e. inactivation of COVID-19 virus by pH modulation involving alkalization of respiratory tract by use of a controlled delivery device. Same is neither anticipated nor disclosed, as is evident from total lack of focus on this approach, in any of the research focus areas as disclosed in public domain thus making it clear that it is ‘not obvious to those skilled in the art’.

Inventive Step- The technical advancement of knowledge lies in disclosing a radical new approach for the treatment of COVID-19 disease by pH modulation involving alkalization of respiratory tract by use of a controlled delivery device to release a physiologically compatible agent into the respiratory tract i.e. mouth, nose, trachea and lungs. Modulation of pH is carried out by controlled delivery of a physiologically compatible alkalizing agent viz. sodium bicarbonate of 3 - 8.4 % strength, pH ranging between 8 - 8.6 at 20°C, in quantity of 3 - 6 ml per session and upto 2 sessions with a gap of 8 hours daily, of duration 7 minutes - 30 minutes, for a period of 14 to 30 days which leads to inactivation of the virus and prevents spread of the disease, since the virus requires acidic environment (pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5) to attach and enter the cells & propagate. The second agent delivered in conjunction with the alkalizing agent is a corticosteroid ciclesonide, which is anti-inflammatory and prevents bronchospasm. Both the agents are given in conjunction and not simultaneously as one unit owing to instability of ciclesonide at alkaline pH ( Ref: Patent No. EP 1 697398 Bl; European Patent).

Lack of obviousness -The very fact that there is no disclosure in prior art at all regarding treatment of Covid-19 by use of pH modulation involving alkalization of respiratory tract by use of a controlled delivery device makes it very clear that is NOT OBVIOUS TO PERSONS SKILLED IN THE ART. This aspect further gets credence from the fact that a recent clinical trial posted on 1 ^st April, 2020, proposes use of aerosol ciclesonide with Hydroxychloroquine. There is no mention at all, of using aerosol of ciclesonide in conjunction with sodium bicarbonate in fine droplet form for cellular alkalization, as a simple and practical approach to inactivate the Covid-19 virus, as proposed in present invention.

Industrial Application- The device and its agents can be easily manufactured on industrial scale and used for treatment of COVID-19 patients in hospitals and under critical care in isolation facilities. The outcome of the present invention is reduction in mortality rate and marked improvement in symptoms of discomfort in patients suffering from COVID-19 disease.