A group of researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP), in Brazil, suggests that niclosamide, an antiparasitic used in the treatment of intestinal infections caused by the tapeworm parasite (solitary worm), may be an effective ‘weapon’ in the treatment of severe cases of infection by Covid-19, says a study published in the journal Science Advances. The drug is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.
In the laboratory, it has shown promise in combating inflammation caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. However, scientists understand that more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of the formula that was originally used to fight tapeworm cases.
According to the study’s authors, the current drug formula – the one sold in pharmacies – does not work to treat the effects of Covid-19 on the lungs and, therefore, would need to undergo a reformulation, if the research proceeds as expected. “It is not absorbed in the stomach, so it works for intestinal worms. But it won’t work for Covid-19 if given orally. To get around this problem, it will be necessary to develop a new drug formulation that reaches the lungs directly”, explains Dario Zamboni, a professor at the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine and a member of the Research Center for Inflammatory Diseases, both in Brazil, to Agência FAPESP. .
In the study, USP researchers evaluated the effects of niclosamide on mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 and on white blood cells present in the blood of patients with Covid-19. In both scenarios, the drug proved to be effective and triggered a better response than other drugs already tested.
According to Zamboni, the anti-inflammatory effects of niclosamide can block an immune mechanism known as an inflammasome. This causes a disproportionate response from the immune system and, in these cases, the body attacks the body itself – through cytokines -, worsening the Covid infection.
The inflammasome is also involved in autoimmune, neurodegenerative diseases, influenza, some types of cancer and infections, including zika, chikungunya and Mayaro fever.
What to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19:
Keep calm and avoid going to hospitals. Stay at home and call SNS 24 (808 24 24 24). Choose option 1 (for other symptoms you must choose option 2) or 112 if it is a medical emergency. Follow all the guidelines given and avoid being close to people, keeping a distance of at least two meters.