Anti-parasitic drug said to 'kill' COVID-19 cells

Scientists in Australia have found that an anti-parasitic drug available on the market “can kill” the growing cell culture of the deadly coronavirus within 48 hours. However, researchers say the drug cannot be used in humans for COVID-19 until further testing and clinical trials prove its safety and effectiveness. “Scientists showed that a single dose of the drug, Ivermectin, could stop the SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19] virus growing in cell culture,” said a statement by Melbourne-based Monash University, where the research is based. “Scientists showed that a single dose of the drug, Ivermectin, could stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus growing in cell culture,” the statement said. “The potential use of Ivermectin to combat COVID-19 remains unproven, and depends on funding to progress the work into the next stages,” the statement added.