As reported on October 12, 2020, scientists in Hong Kong have come out with a report, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, which states that an affordable anti-microbial drug, used to treat stomach ulcers and bacterial infections, has also shown promise, in fighting the coronavirus, in animals. They explored whether metallodrugs, compounds containing metal that are more commonly used against bacteria, might also have anti-viral properties which could combat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
A researcher, from Hong Kong University, Runming Wang told reporters while presenting the study that the team used Syrian hamsters for testing purposes, and found that one of the drugs, ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC), was ‘a potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent’. RBC is able to lower the viral load in the lung of the infected hamster by ten-fold. They found that RBC is a potential anti-viral agent for Covid-19.
As per the scientists, RBC was a commonly available drug used against stomach ulcers with a safe and comprehensive pharmacological profile. It has been used for decades so it is pretty safe.
Courtesy: The Hindu