A Hawke's Bay-based biotechnology company is claiming a breakthrough that could mean an existing drug, used to treat tape worms, is repurposed as a potential treatment for Covid-19. Niclosamide has always had potential, but Dr Alan Alexander says the breakthrough has arrived. This antiviral activity means niclosamide could be developed as a potential treatment for Covid-19. "A successfully repurposed drug can provide a treatment much faster than developing a new drug." Alexander said niclosamide was "a gold seam that has tantalisingly remained just out of reach of drug developers" - until now.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 12, 2021 01:16 UTC