Reference:
Yagisawa, M., Foster, P. J., Hanaki, H., & Ōmura, S. (2021). Global trends in clinical studies of ivermectin in COVID-19. The Japanese Journal of Antibiotics, 74(1), 44-75.
Summary:
The article reviews global clinical studies of ivermectin as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Initially, the outbreak was poorly communicated by the Chinese government, leading to widespread infection and over 2.5 million deaths globally by early 2021. Although various treatments such as hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir were tested, many proved ineffective. Ivermectin, a safe and inexpensive drug used since 1987 for parasitic infections, began being studied for COVID-19 after in vitro evidence suggested it could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. As of January 2021, 91 clinical trials involving ivermectin were registered across 27 countries. Meta-analyses indicated significant improvements in patient outcomes, suggesting its usefulness in early treatment. However, challenges persist, including slow clinical trial progress in Japan due to funding issues and reluctance from pharmaceutical companies to expand ivermectin’s indications. The article advocates for increased support for ivermectin research to leverage its potential in combating COVID-19.