Scientists have found drug that suppresses coronavirus in 48 hours
Australian scientists have found that the antiparasitic drug Ivermectin has an antiviral effect and is able to inhibit the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures up to 48 hours, «Izvestia» reports.
The effect of Ivermectin on coronavirus infected cells was analyzed in vitro. The medicine was added two hours after infection. With just one dose of the drug, after 24 hours, the amount of viral RNA decreased by 93%, after two days - more than 99%.
At the same time, Ivermectin did not have a toxic effect on the samples, but its use led to the loss of almost all viral material.
Scientists hope that their work will help begin research on the use of the drug in cases of infection with a new coronavirus and will help reduce the viral load, as well as prevent the development of complications.
Currently, Ivermectin is widespread, since the drug is included in the list of essential drugs of the World Health Organization.