Tapeworm Drug Stops Zika From Replicating In Lab: Study
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published August 29, 2016 | 10:58 PM
PARIS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th August, 2016) - A common drug used to kill tapeworm prevented the Zika virus from replicating in lab experiments, scientists said Monday. The medicine, Nicolsamide, was previously shown to be safe for pregnant women, which may boost its rapid deployment to treat Zika infection, they reported in the journal Nature Medicine. "The findings should significantly advance current Zika virus research and have an immediate effect on the development of anti-Zika therapeutics," the team concluded. Transmitted mainly by mosquitos but also through sexual transmission, Zika can cause crippling birth defects in the foetuses of infected women. In adults, it can in rare cases lead to neurological problems such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
To find medications that -- if found effective -- could be used quickly, the researchers scanned 6,000 compounds already approved by the US food and Drug Administration or in clinical trials. "In this sort of global health emergency, we don't have time to wait," said co-author Hongjun Song, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University. The encouraging results have yet to be reproduced outside the laboratory, the scientists cautioned. "There is no evidence yet that Nicolsamide is effective in the body," Song told AFP.
"Additional animal studies, and then human clinical trials, are necessary."
Recent Stories
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
Nawaz Sharif to visit Guangzhou exhibition in China
FM Dar not traveling to China: Foreign Office
PM takes notice of deliberate delay in tax cases
Iranian President visits Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum
Iranian President arrives in Lahore today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 23 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 23 April 2024
Islam enlightened world with its teachings about knowledge: Dr Jamileh
More Stories From World
-
UK Rwanda law sparks fear among migrants hoping to cross Channel
11 minutes ago -
China issues highest-level rainstorm warning after deadly floods
12 minutes ago -
UK's Sunak announces raised defence spending, new Ukraine aid
21 minutes ago -
Baby delivered from dying mother's womb in Gaza 'miracle'
52 minutes ago -
Russia rejects US journalist Gershkovich's detention appeal
1 hour ago -
Prosecutors accuse Trump of 'willful' violations of gag order
2 hours ago
-
French artist JR downsizes at Venice Biennale with Orient Express
3 hours ago -
Umrah & Ziarah Forum 2024: A gateway to enhance pilgrimage services in Holy land
3 hours ago -
16 dead, 28 missing in migrant boat capsize off Djibouti: UN
3 hours ago -
16 dead, 28 missing in migrant boat capsize off Djibouti: UN
4 hours ago -
How UK's biggest water supplier sank into crisis
4 hours ago -
EU lawmakers greenlight new rules to rein in national spending
4 hours ago