Anti-Parasite Drug Used Since 1980s May Help Stop Coronavirus, New Study Says. Published Apr 03, 2020 at 10:46 PM EDT. By . Aila Slisco is a Newsweek night reporter based in New York.

One dose of an anti-parasite drug was just as effective as two at significantly reducing the spread of scabies, the contagious, intensely itchy skin condition, according to a new study.

Drugmaker Merck & Co Inc (MRK.N) on Thursday said its analysis of available data does not support the safety and efficacy of its anti-parasite drug, ivermectin, for the treatment of COVID-19.

Throughout the pandemic, the anti-parasite drug ivermectin has attracted much attention, particularly in Latin America, as a potential way to treat COVID-19. But scientists say that recent ...