Study proposes repurposed drug to treat COVID-19
The Hindu
The drug is now in Phase-II trials to evaluate efficacy, safety, tolerability to treat COVID-19 patients
A long wait for drugs to treat COVID-19 may come to a close, if Phase II trials of the drug niclosamide deliver positive results. The repurposed drug, an antihelminth originally used to treat tapeworm infection, was found to show promise in an exploratory study undertaken by Bengaluru-based National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR) and Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InSTEM) along with Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu. Based on the recommendations of this preliminary study, the drug is now under “multi-centric, phase-II, randomized, open label clinical study to evaluate efficacy, safety and tolerability of NIclosamide for the treatment of hospitalized Covid-19 patients,” according to a press release of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) dated July 5. Since the drug has been used in people earlier for tapeworm infection in adults as well as children, its safety profile is well established and the questions are more about its efficacy in treating COVID-19 and the dosage etc. Among those following the news about the novel coronavirus, it is well known that the spike protein of the receptor binding domain attaches itself to the ACE2 receptor present in the cell. This is a route the virus uses to enter the cell.
A nuclear fusion reaction can generate more energy than it consumes, but the technologies to harness it to generate electricity continue to stay out of reach.
BMW has introduced the new M340i xDrive, a high-performance sedan combining strong design, advanced technology, and the capability for thrilling drives.
This week’s Sci-five quiz is on semi-conductor.
The globally-acclaimed Candlelight Concert is now in Chennai. Listen to classical and contemporary music at Museum Theatre, amidst thousands of candles
23andMe is on the brink of bankruptcy. This has raised concerns about what will happen to the troves of genetic data it has in its possession.
Carbon offsets have become big business as more companies make promises to protect the climate but can’t meet the goals on their own.
Discoveries about Uranus, the solar system's enigmatic planet, challenge previous assumptions, highlighting the need for further exploration.
Guide to key terms at COP29: UNFCCC, COP, NDC, global warming, climate change, greenhouse gases, Paris Agreement, net zero.
Climate change increases lightning strikes globally, making lightning rods crucial for protection against deadly strikes.
India's struggle to meet WHO's TB reduction targets by 2025 despite a 17.7% decline in incidence from 2015.
Coimbatore’s policewomen maintain weapons at the Armoury, handle sniffer dogs, drive heavy duty vehicles, and are a part of the police commissioner’s striking force