Ivermectin Does Not Protect against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Syrian Hamster Model

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, showed in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2.
• Off-label use of ivermectin for COVID-19 has increased.
• The SARS-CoV-2 Beta (B.1.351) variant is a significant global health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the therapeutic effect of ivermectin in a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To evaluate ivermectin's efficacy against the Beta variant of SARS-CoV-2.
• To determine if ivermectin potentiates the antiviral activity of molnupiravir.

Main Methods:

• Syrian hamsters were infected with SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant.
• Animals received a daily dose of ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg) for four consecutive days.
• Lung viral load and pathology were quantified post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Ivermectin monotherapy did not reduce lung viral load.
• Ivermectin significantly worsened SARS-CoV-2-induced lung pathology.
• Combination therapy with ivermectin and molnupiravir showed no potentiated antiviral effect.

Conclusions:

• Ivermectin treatment offers no beneficial effect in managing COVID-19.
• Findings highlight the risks associated with the off-label use of ivermectin for COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to validate effective COVID-19 treatments.