English Researchers: "Anthelmintic Ivermectin Can Reduce COVID-19 Fatality Rate by 80%"

Medical Community Calls for Further Research
Dr. Andrew Hill: "Reduces Treatment Duration for Severe Patients"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] There has been a claim that ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug used for head lice and scabies, is effective as a treatment for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). It is said to reduce the COVID-19 fatality rate by up to 80%. The medical community remains cautious, stating that further clinical trials are necessary.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 4th (local time), the UK Daily Mail reported, citing research by Dr. Andrew Hill, a virologist at the University of Liverpool, that ivermectin can reduce the treatment period for severe COVID-19 patients by half. Dr. Hill also expressed hope that ivermectin could even change the course of the war against COVID-19.

Ivermectin was tested in clinical trials involving 1,400 COVID-19 patients in countries such as Egypt, Argentina, and Bangladesh. The results showed that the virus disappeared about twice as fast in patients who were administered ivermectin compared to those who were not.

This clinical trial was commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and was mainly conducted in developing countries.

However, the medical community holds the position that more research is needed regarding the effectiveness of ivermectin. This is because drugs previously considered as COVID-19 treatments, such as hydroxychloroquine, were later found to be ineffective.

Additionally, there are criticisms that the clinical trials had varying prescription dosages or were conducted alongside other medications, making it difficult to accurately assess the actual effect of the drug.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.