Researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, announced on Friday (3) the discovery that an antiparasitic drug available around the world may be able to kill the new coronavirus , which causes covid-19.
According to the study, when tested in the laboratory, Ivermectin was able to wipe out any genetic material from the virus in 48 hours.
The study’s leader, Dr. Kylie Wagstaff confirmed that, in addition to total elimination in 48 hours with a single dose, the drug also showed effectiveness in reducing viral load in the first 24 hours.
The researcher also warned that the tests were carried out in vitro, requiring tests on humans to ensure the drug’s effectiveness:
“Ivermectin is widely used and is seen as a safe drug. We need to find out now whether the dosage that is possible to use in humans will be effective.”
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Despite not knowing the exact mechanism of how Ivermectin works in the coronavirus, the study leader believes that, building on previous studies with other types of viruses, it stops viruses from “reducing” the cell’s ability to get rid of his.
The drug had already shown effectiveness in in vitro tests against other types of viruses, such as dengue, zika, influenza and even HIV.
The next step is to define a correct dosage for humans, ensuring patient safety, while the virus is still affected. Only then can clinical trials be started.
News is officially confirmed by WHO: https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/82/8/editorial30804html/en/
