Nazlie Latefi, Cofounder and Chief Scientific Officer

Biovanta is the only product that safely and effectively addresses the upper respiratory inflammation that causes cold symptoms. Neither a chemical-based drug nor a homeopathic remedy, it’s an O-T-C made from all-natural ingredients. While the ingredients are isolated or derived from common food sources, they are also accepted under the FDA OTC Drug Review as safe and effective. The key active ingredient, naturally sourced acetylsalicylic acid, has long been used to treat pain, fever and inflammation.

Q: There are a lot of O-T-C remedies for cough and cold; what should consumers look for?

A: Upper respiratory infection that causes cough and sore throat is caused by inflammation of the pharynx, the area between your tonsils and your voice box. When respiratory viruses infect the pharynx, they inflame the area. The active ingredients of most leading cough, cold and sore throat products may mask symptoms for a short period of time, but actually worsen inflammation and therefore exacerbate and prolong the illness. Unless you choose a product that is formulated to address that underlying inflammation, you may be doing more harm than good.

Q: What makes Biovanta different from all the other leading cough, cold and sore throat products?

A: Biovanta is the only cough, cold and sore throat product that safely and effectively addresses the upper respiratory inflammation that causes cold symptoms. Biovanta is neither a chemical-based drug nor a homeopathic remedy; instead it’s an O-T-C drug made from 100% natural ingredients. Essentially, this means that while the ingredients used in Biovanta are all isolated or derived from 100% natural, common food sources, they are also accepted under the FDA OTC Drug Review as safe and effective for their designated label.

Q: How does Biovanta work?

A: The key active ingredient in Biovanta is naturally sourced acetylsalicylic acid, a compound found in many nuts, fruits and vegetables, including green tea, coffee and broccoli. It has long been used to treat pain, fever and inflammation, dating back to the ancient Sumer, Egyptians and Greeks. At the optimal dosage, and accompanied by the other ingredients in Biovanta, acetylsalicylic acid reduces inflammation and pain in the upper respiratory system, while also helping to restore the health of the respiratory cells.

Q: How does upper respiratory inflammation cause cold and cough symptoms?

A: A runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough and mucus production are caused by inflammation of the mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract. Inflammation (swelling) is part of the body’s natural healing system, which essentially helps fight injury and infection by releasing antibodies and proteins, as well as increased blood flow to the damaged area to help it heal. Oftentimes inflammation is triggered as a response to something as innocuous as rhinovirus — the virus that causes the common cold — but actually the inflammation itself is what damages the tissues and organs. Biovanta simply reduces upper respiratory inflammation, therefore preventing the virus from wreaking havoc in the area.

Q: Why is Biovanta safer than the leading products on the market? Why are natural ingredients important when treating cough and cold?

A: First of all, not all natural products are safe. Contrary to popular belief, some natural products are actually harmful to the respiratory system. Products that contain zinc, for example, may dry out the respiratory system and cause greater irritation. Products that contain sugar change the osmolarity in the area and can be damage respiratory cells. The natural ingredients in Biovanta are not only found in common foods at their natural concentrations but also are optimally calibrated to maintain ideal conditions for the respiratory cells to heal and thrive, while also reducing inflammation.

Q: Can Biovanta treat cough and sore throat symptoms from other illnesses besides the common cold, like influenza and COVID-19?

A: Over 200 different types of viruses have similar symptoms to the common cold, including influenza and COVID-19. That’s partly because symptoms come from a general immune response to an infection in the upper respiratory tract. In all cases, once the upper respiratory system is compromised, the body responds by inflaming the area. Biovanta simply reduces upper respiratory inflammation and therefore combats the virus at its source.

Q: What are your expectations for the 2021/2022 cold and flu season, assuming most people will be vaccinated for COVID-19 by then?

A: We are extremely optimistic about next season. We believe our products are a disruptive scientific breakthrough in the category and have the potential to forever change how consumers treat upper respiratory infections. Experts are already predicting that social distancing measures put in place for the COVID-19 pandemic may trigger a surge in seasonal flu cases next winter because fewer people have been exposed to the seasonal virus. While we don’t wish illness on anyone, this news certainly points to a rebound for the entire cough/cold/sore throat category.