Abstract
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, researchers have turned to existing medicines to see whether they can be repurposed to treat COVID-19.
Antiviral medicines such as remdesivir and favipiravir that prevent the virus from reproducing itself are amongst many medicines being tested. Some cough syrups are even being investigated.
And surprisingly, the drug thalidomide is also being tested as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Thalidomide infamously caused thousands of birth defects to babies who were exposed to the drug after their mothers took it to treat morning sickness between 1958-1962.
Antiviral medicines such as remdesivir and favipiravir that prevent the virus from reproducing itself are amongst many medicines being tested. Some cough syrups are even being investigated.
And surprisingly, the drug thalidomide is also being tested as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Thalidomide infamously caused thousands of birth defects to babies who were exposed to the drug after their mothers took it to treat morning sickness between 1958-1962.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Specialist publication | The Conversation |
| Publisher | The Conversation UK |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Apr 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Neil Vargesson receives or has received funding for thalidomide research from the Wellcome Trust, the Royal Society, University of Aberdeen, Imperial College London and the National Institutes of Health. I have advised lawyers, politicians, Government agencies and regulatory agencies regarding thalidomide and thalidomide embryopathy.Keywords
- Immune system
- Thalidomide
- Coronavirus
- COVID-19
- inflammatory response