Antiparasitic Drug Inhibits Growth Of COVID-19 In Lab-grown Cells
Scientists have found that a globally available antiparasitic drug has the ability to kill the coronavirus grown in cell cultures within 2 days, an advance that might result in the development and trial of a new treatment for COVID-19.
The drug, Ivermectin, stopped the virus, SARS-CoV-2, from growing in cell culture within two days, the research is published in the Journal Antiviral Research.
Kylie Wagstaff, the co-author, Monash College in Australia said, “We discovered that even a single dose could essentially eliminate all viral RNA by two days and even at 24 hours there was a really considerable reduction in the viral count.
The researchers claimed that the drug Ivermectin is an accepted antiparasitic medication that is also efficient in vitro against a broad variety of viruses consisting of HIV, Flu, Zika and also Dengue.
She added, “If we had a compound that is readily available around the globe during this pandemic where there is no approved treatment, then the people will get the help sooner”.
The researchers said that the mechanism behind the Ivermectin is not known, and it is likely, based on its activity on other viruses – that it helps to stop the virus from slowing down the host cells’ capability to eliminate the virus.
Leon Caly, Co-author, the Royal Melbourne Health Center, Australia said “As the virologist who belonged to the team that was first to isolate and share SARS-COV2 beyond China in January 2020, I am thrilled about the possibility of Ivermectin being used as a prospective medication against COVID-19.
The scientists further urged that only the future preclinical and clinical testing would decide the use of Ivermectin against COVID-19.
Author: Sruthi S
