Rising temperatures and COVID-19 set to increase demand for O.R.S hydration tablets

London, May 2020: Science-led consumer healthcare company Clinova has increased production of its proprietary O.R.S. Hydration Tablets to meet the expected rise in demand for hydration due to forecast hotter summer weather and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as many NHS clinical staff use O.R.S to stay hydrated.

In April, O.R.S. began its drive to donate 100,000 tablets to NHS staff across the UK, in response to The Royal College of Nursing’s Rest, Rehydrate and Refuel campaign. A study by the College found that on a normal day at an NHS Hospital, 36% of clinical staff were dehydrated before they had started their shift.

To help as many of our NHS heroes to stay hydrated, O.R.S. has teamed up with its sporting partner, Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur to donate to two North London hospitals, Whittington Hospital and North Middlesex Hospital. Furthermore, they have provided products to NHS staff working at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which has been handed over to the NHS with football and other events no longer possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. All drop offs will keep staff hydrated through their tireless and crucial work looking after patients with COVID-19.

Fran Jones, Head of Partnerships for Tottenham Hotspur, commented: “We are proud to have handed over parts of our stadium to the NHS as we fight COVID-19 together and are delighted that many of our partners are also playing their part. Clinova have generously donated thousands of O.R.S tablets to provide effective hydration and support to staff at the hospitals and at our stadium and we’re very grateful to them for their contribution.”

Dr Tom Bracewell, Chief Medical Officer, said: “Hydration is one of the most important aspects of human health, especially when the body is faced with challenges such as extreme heat or illness. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, it is essential for everyone to stay well hydrated. Adding O.R.S to water boosts the hydration potential of drinks and is a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.

O.R.S is currently undergoing trials with patients suffering from acute viral upper respiratory infection symptoms (AVRTI), associated with COVID-19, such as coughing, fever, scratchy or sore throat and nasal congestion.

Tom commented: “In addition to the known use cases of O.R.S, we hope our current study will show the product’s ability to aid the recovery of patients suffering. Good hydration goes a long way in supporting the body’s natural ability to defend and repair, which is going to be incredibly important for anyone suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.”

Formulated to World Health Organisation standards, Clinova’s O.R.S Hydration Tablets add an electrolyte mix to water that helps the human body quickly absorb fluids and restores an optimal level of hydration.

The glucose-salt combination helps to replenish water and body salts that are depleted through sweating (exercise or illness) and through drinking too little. It is clinically proven to help the body maintain the right fluid balance.

Meanwhile, supplies of Clinova’s FFP2 Covaflu respirator are growing to help meet the increasing demand for PPE. Clinova has also released an updated version of its digital healthcare app Caidr, which, in addition to helping users assess common medical issues, has found an innovative way to promote social distancing and keep vulnerable people safe.

Tom added: “At Clinova, the whole team is dedicated to slowing the spread of the pandemic, while at the same time making sure the care for those who become infected by the virus is up to scratch and able to deliver maximum benefits.

“While looking at ways to reduce the impact of COVID-19, it is important to remember that as of yet, there is no cure or vaccine. Steps for the prevention of virus transmission such as social distancing, handwashing and continued worldwide research into a vaccine, remain vital.”

O.R.S. tablets are now widely available both in shops and online. Stockists include Holland and Barrett, Boots, WH Smiths, Amazon, Wiggle, Morrisons and local pharmacies across the UK.

About Clinova 

Clinova is a consumer healthcare company that creates innovative, natural products to fill gaps in the over-the-counter medical market. Its other products include Caidr, O.R.S. Hydration Tablets, Covaflu, Wayk alertness tablets, Repelsect insect repellent patches, and Magastic digestive tablets. Clinova operates in 20 countries and is backed by some of the biggest names in healthcare, including the former head of sales at P&G, the former head of Novartis US, the former head of over-the-counter products at Reckitt Benckiser, and the former head of consumer healthcare at DKSH.

About the O.R.S Study

The study will take individuals experiencing moderate symptoms AVRTI symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, and provide them with Clinova’s O.R.S tablets, dissolved in water to assess whether the product improved their level of comfort and sped up recovery time.

The study will assess participants’ hydration levels to establish the quantity of O.R.S. needed to relieve symptoms, while also ranking the products taste, smell, appearance and mouthfeel. 

50 participants will be given the solution twice a day for around 14 days, but for no longer than 21 days, with the first day of treatment starting around 3 days after the onset of symptoms. 

The group will be selected online to represent a cross section of the UK population displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

This study will be performed in accordance with the ethical principles based in the Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments and in accordance with the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guideline (ICH E6(R2), 2016) and applicable regulatory requirements.

About O.R.S Hydration Tablets

O.R.S Hydration Tablets add a scientifically balanced formula of glucose, electrolytes and minerals to water that allows your body to quickly absorb fluids and restore a healthy level of hydration. Formulated by pharmacists to World Health Organization oral rehydration standards they are suitable for health and wellness, travel and hot climates and sports and exercise. Vegan and halal friendly, gluten-free and free of artificial preservatives they are available in three tasty flavours (lemon, blackcurrant and strawberry). Stockists include Amazon, Boots, Holland & Barrett, WH Smiths, Wiggle, Morrisons and local pharmacies nationwide. O.R.S is the official hydration supplier of Tottenham Hotspur F.C.

The Lancet, the world's oldest, most prestigious, and best known general medical journals, described O.R.S. as “potentially the most important medical advance of the 20th century”, while The Independent suggested that Clinova’s tablets were the second most significant medical invention of the past 150 years, after the contraceptive pill.