A Texas university receives grant for clinical trial to examine whether Ivermectin really works against COVID-19

A Texas university clinical trial is examining the effectiveness of ivermectin in fighting against COVID-19 symptoms, with hopes of determining if the controversial drug can be a helpful tool in combating the pandemic.

The National Institutes of Health granted Texas Tech University's Health Sciences Center El Paso $1.7 million to spearhead clinical trials that include two projects: ACTIV-6, a nationwide study that includes ivermectin, and a local initiative planned by the university, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

The ACTIV-6 study, which started June 8, is examining the effectiveness of three drugs, including ivermectin, the antiparasitic medication that has sparked controversy in the U.S. over some unauthorized use to treat the coronavirus.

While ivermectin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat humans for parasitic worms, lice and skin conditions including rosacea, it is more often used to help animals, including cattle and horses.

The study is also examining fluvoxamine, a drug that has been prescribed for depression, and fluticasone, a steroid that is sometimes used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to the Post. ...