Research commissioned by Hamilton-based company Quantec has found its patented New Zealand milk-derived ingredient IDP (Immune Defense Proteins) is effective at protecting cells against Covid-19.

The research, completed by an independent US laboratory, shows IDP has the ability to protect cells from Covid, but it may also reduce the severity of symptoms, a key concern particularly for sufferers.

Quantect chief executive, Raewyn McPhillips, says these results suggest that IDP could play an important role in the global struggle against the rapidly evolving virus. 

"We already knew IDP offered effective barrier protection and support for the immune system, so with Covid-19 running rampant throughout the world we wanted to investigate how IDP may be able to contribut to addressing immune health concerns.

"With previous research under out belts showing IDP is effective at inhibiting and protecting cells against influenza A and herpes simplex, it's exciting to see IDP could also protect against Covid-19, both in constraining the viral infection of cells and potentially reducing symptoms."

Founder of Quantec/innovation director Dr Rod Claycomb explains that IDP is much more potent than its individual parts, such as pure lactoferrin or lactoperoxidase.

IDP is a patented natural milk protein complex containing over 50 bioactive proteins, proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. The protein fraction is extracted from fresh, pasturised milk, in the same ratio created by nature to support the immune system.