Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2025
Production of Genetically Engineered Golden Syrian Hamsters by Pronuclear Injection of the CRISPR/Cas9 Complex
Published on: January 9, 2018
Ivermectin Does Not Protect against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Syrian Hamster Model
Caroline S Foo1, Rana Abdelnabi1, Laura Vangeel1
1KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Ivermectin, an FDA-approved antiparasitic drug, has been reported to have in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. Increased off-label use of ivermectin for COVID-19 has been reported. We here assessed the effect of ivermectin in Syrian hamsters infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Beta (B.1.351) variant. Infected animals received a clinically relevant dose of ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg subcutaneously dosed) once daily for four consecutive days after which the effect was quantified. Ivermectin monotherapy did not reduce lung viral load and even significantly worsened SARS-CoV-2-induced lung pathology. Additionally, it did not potentiate the activity of molnupiravir (LagevrioTM) when combined with this drug. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that ivermectin does not result in a beneficial effect in the treatment of COVID-19. These findings are important given the increasing, dangerous off-label use of ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19.
Insights
Ivermectin treatment did not reduce viral load or lung damage in hamsters with COVID-19. This study adds to evidence that ivermectin is not beneficial for treating COVID-19, despite off-label use.
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.
More Related Videos
11:36Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs
Published on: April 21, 2012
05:55In Vivo Imaging of Leishmania infantum-infected Hamsters by Gingival Inoculation of Axenic Amastigotes Expressing Luciferase
Published on: April 4, 2025