ManukaGuard: The end of the “medicated” nose

MONTEREY, Calif. — ManukaGuard is establishing itself as a competitor to traditional respiratory care by promoting a move from symptom-focused treatment to routine nasal hygiene and barrier protection.

The biotechnology company contends that modern strategies for nasal health are mostly reactive, addressing congestion, allergies, or infections only after the nasal cavity has been affected. According to ManukaGuard, common treatments like steroids and decongestants often depend on suppression and vasoconstriction, which may offer temporary relief but can also dry out, irritate, or weaken the nasal lining over time.

Central to the company’s philosophy is the nasal epithelium, the mucosal barrier that acts as the body’s first line of defense against airborne pathogens. When this tissue is damaged, ManukaGuard states, it becomes a vulnerability rather than a protective barrier, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation.

ManukaGuard’s efforts aim to protect and support this barrier rather than suppress the body’s natural immune response. The company’s products are based on Medical Grade Manuka Honey, chosen for its antimicrobial properties and safety for use on sensitive sinus tissue. The main bioactive compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), has been extensively studied for its ability to combat pathogens and is central to the company’s science-based approach.

By delivering Medical Grade Manuka through a patented system, ManukaGuard claims it can cleanse and condition the nasal epithelium while preserving the moisture levels needed to trap and clear airborne viruses, including those linked to colds and flu. The company highlights that its method is designed to support the nose’s natural defenses rather than override them.

ManukaGuard emphasizes nasal hygiene as an often overlooked part of daily health, especially as increased global travel, busy workplaces, and crowded schools raise the risk of airborne illnesses. The company claims that nasal care should be a regular preventive measure, similar to handwashing, rather than something used only during illness.

Founder and CEO Gavin Gear said the company’s mission emerged from questioning long-standing assumptions about respiratory care. “We stopped asking how to mask symptoms and started asking how to strengthen the body’s own architecture,” Gear said. “Our focus has always been on empowering the natural barrier that protects people every time they breathe.”

Located in Monterey, California, ManukaGuard describes itself as a biotechnology firm that operates at the intersection of clinical science and naturopathic ingredients. Its stated mission is to offer non-toxic, scientifically validated alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical methods, empowering individuals to take a more active role in safeguarding their respiratory health.

As awareness grows about environmental exposure and airborne transmission, ManukaGuard states it aims to help shift how consumers, clinicians, and families view respiratory health, moving the focus from treatment to prevention and from suppression to strengthening.