Thai researchers to study animal antiparasitic drug for treating Covid-19

Thai researchers are studying whether an antiparasitic medication, which is typically used for animals, can be used to treat humans infected with Covid-19. Reports on the new study come after a warning from Thai Food and Drug Administration advising people not to use the drug Ivermectin as it is typically used for veterinary treatment and not for human use, especially for the coronavirus.

While the Ivermectin is typically used to kill parasites in cows and horses, initial laboratory studies have shown that the antiparasitic drug may enhance the antiviral drug Favipiravir when treating Covid-19.

The Department of Medical Sciences will oversee the study in collaboration with Siriraj Hospital and other hospitals. Researchers will test the 2-drug treatment on patients who are infected with Covid-19.

Head of the Department of Medical Sciences, Somsak Akkasilp, says that Ivermectin has been used in South American countries to treat those with Covid-19. Ivermectin is not approved by the World Health Organisation to treat Covid-19.

“We don’t recommend it being used as the main drug for Covid-19 patients…But our study will prove whether it could enhance Favipiravia’s efficiency against the disease… We expect to see results in the next four months.”

The Thai FDA’s deputy secretary-general, Surachok Tangwiwat has warned against using the Ivermectin, saying that high doses of the drug could be harmful to people’s health.

“The side-effects can be severe and include dizziness, rash, nausea, hives, and the potential to seriously affect the nervous system and people’s sight.”

SOURCE: Bangkok Post