A curve which weakens then disappears completely. This graph published on April 3 in Antiviral Research, the bible of epidemiologists, shows that in 48 hours, in a test tube, the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 went from 5000 units to only one. Or an eradication rate of 99.98%. This is thanks to a molecule called ivermectin. An antimalarial, like hydroxychloroquine, the drug tested by Professor Raoult in Marseille.
Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, conducted the experiment under the leadership of Dr. Kylie Wagstaff. "The researchers had the idea of testing this anti-infective that we use against scabies to see if it had an action on the coronavirus. Beyond this initial work, it is necessary to check, continue research and see if it works in humans, ”reacts François Bricaire, infectiologist, member of the National Academy of Medicine.
"It's interesting, because we still have no effective therapy against the coronavirus!" To my knowledge, the first results on anti-HIV treatments are not good. Remdesivir like chloroquine is still under study. So there is no reason not to test the well-known ivermectin, ”he adds.
Indeed, says Professor Jean-Paul Stahl, head of infectious diseases at the University Hospital of Grenoble (Isère), “Ivermectin is an old drug. Like chloroquine, it is an antiparasitic, but they are not at all the same molecules. "
" Great news "
The Australian study was received as a significant advance at Medincell in Jacou, near Montpellier (Hérault). This pharmaceutical research laboratory, which employs 135 people, knows this molecule from every angle since it is already working on a development program for this product in an injectable form in order to fight against malaria. In November, this earned him a donation of $ 19 million from the Melinda and Bill Gates foundation.
The Australian study, "this is great news but, for the moment, it is an in vitro discovery", explains David Heuzé, the director of communication, confident but measured on the scientific path that remains to go: “It is now necessary that clinical trials validate the curative potential on the living. "
Towards an injectable solution
Initially, Medincell aims to produce a solution for injection as a preventive measure in people not infected with the virus. "We launched a research project a few weeks ago, believing that Medincell could have a crucial role to play in the management of Covid-19. It is for us to verify the potential effectiveness of a long-acting injectable on prevention, and therefore on the break of the chain of transmission between people. If successful, our subcutaneous injection technology would offer an affordable solution that can be quickly deployed, "says David Heuzé, especially since the molecule has fallen into the public domain.
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"Given the urgency, it is impossible to create a new molecule against Covid-19," says Professor Stahl. It would take a minimum of three years. There, this drug is already manufactured and available. So why not ? Already, the chain of this good news generates an unprecedented stock market battle on the Medincell share. In Paris, on Euronext, Medincell closed Wednesday evening at 14.60 euros or 100% growth on the usual price.
