Pa. Rep. aims to make highly debated COVID-19 drug available over-the-counter
Ivermectin, also known by its brand names 'Soolanra,' 'Sklice' or 'Stromectol,' is sold as an anti-parasite drug that can treat infections caused by roundworms, threadworms and other parasites. Currently, a prescription is needed in order to obtain the drug, something that Rep. Jacob Banta (R-Erie) is looking to change.
Banta argued in his new legislation that Ivermectin is a 'very safe drug that has been used by millions of people worldwide.' The drug won a Nobel Prize in 2015 for its role in treating parasitic diseases, however, Banta also noted that the drug has been explored to treat other illnesses such as COVID-19.
According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), the use of Ivermectin has not been authorized or approved for the prevention of COVID-19 in humans or animals. The administration added that the currently available clinical trial data do not demonstrate that Ivermectin is effective against COVID-19 in humans.
Banta's legislation noted that the National Institute of Health (NIH) reported Ivermectin is among several 'potential drugs explored for its therapeutic and preventative role' in COVID-19. However, in a study from 2024, the NIH noted that Ivermectin 'did not have an effect in reducing the risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19.'
'IVM (Ivermectin) did not increase the risk of PCR negative conversion, LOS, viral clearance, admission to ICU, symptoms resolved, discharge from hospital, hospitalization due to progression or SAEs,' The NIH study reads. 'Subgroup analysis based on different controls showed that IVM did not have an effect on reducing all-cause mortality rates in patients with COVID-19.'
The bill argued that in India, Ivermectin prophylaxis was taken by 76 controls and 41 cases, with it being reported that the drug was associated with a 73% reduction of COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers for the following month, however, it is unclear in the legislation where the statistics were reported from.
'Personally, I'd like to report that my Eighty-five-year-old Mother was admitted to the hospital with Covid symptoms and made a complete recovery in just four days of administering Ivermectin in 2020,' Banta wrote.
The Representative ended his legislation by noting that Arkansas and Idaho have already passed legislation for over-the-counter Ivermectin sales. The bill was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and has now been referred to the Health Committee.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Boston Globe
26 minutes ago
- Boston Globe
Fall vaccines: Here's what you need to know about COVID, flu and RSV shots
Amid uncertainty at the federal level, the Globe spoke with experts to guide readers on which vaccines are available, what doctors are recommending, and where to find reliable sources of information. Related : Advertisement COVID-19 Though the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has yet to officially weigh in on the COVID-19 vaccine, Kennedy While the Advertisement The Food and Drug Administration is also weighing whether to revoke its The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend that all children starting at six months receive the COVID vaccine, even if they're healthy, Anders Pring said. According to Anders Pring recommends every child starting at age six months receive the 'primary series,' the two initial doses. For older children, Anders Pring recommends getting an annual booster, just like the flu shot. Naima Joseph, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Boston Medical Center, recommends pregnant patients also receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Insurance companies are mandated to cover ACIP's recommendations. But since the panel's final recommendation has not been released, insurance companies have promised to accept the guidance from medical societies, Joseph said. 'We are hopeful that given AHIP has stated an intent to continue coverage of vaccines, it won't be a problem,' Joseph said. 'We will continue to partner with clinicians, pharmacists, community health workers to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines.' Advertisement Influenza The CDC still recommends the flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. But, in late June, Kennedy approved the CDC advisory committee's recommendation to Thimerosal, a mercury-based chemical compound, is used like a preservative in multi-dose vials. The ingredient has long been pushed by the anti-vaccine movement as being connected to autism, though that The move should not affect the supply of flu vaccines, doctors said, as thimerosal is used in less than 5 percent of U.S. flu vaccinations. Manufacturers Boston Medical Center is 'proactive in looking at supply chains throughout the year to ensure that we have sufficient stock,' said Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician there. RSV Respiratory syncytial virus, which causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract, primarily infects young children under 2 years old. It also impacts the elderly, especially those with weakened immune systems and chronic lung conditions. RSV infections are As of Aug. 4, the CDC In June, the federal panel approved a recommendation for Advertisement For pregnant women, the CDC recommends a single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine — in particular, Pfizer's Abrysvo — during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. The RSV vaccine given to mothers allows antibodies to be passed to the baby before birth. Doctors agree that RSV vaccines are recommended for these populations. Pneumonia Pneumonia vaccines are available throughout the year, Pierre said. The It also recommends it for individuals who have underlying health conditions that put them at high risk for severe disease. That includes people with HIV, asthma or significant pulmonary disease, or diabetes, according to Pierre. Where can I find reliable information about vaccines? Pierre said guidance from professional organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, are resources to look to. She added state and local boards for public health are 'wonderful unsung gems.' The While such resources exist, doctors ultimately urged patients to consult with their own clinicians. 'From a public health perspective, we as pediatricians love to talk with our patients and work with them,' Anders Pring said. Advertisement Jessica Ma can be reached at
Time Business News
36 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Next-Gen Breakthroughs Reshaping the In Vitro Diagnostics
In vitro diagnostics (IVD) refers to tests on blood, tissue, or other samples taken from the human body to detect diseases, conditions, or infections. These tests are usually used in laboratories or at the point of care for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment guidance. IVD market has increased due to increased chronic and infectious diseases, increasing demand for early and accurate diagnosis, progress in clinical technologies (eg molecular diagnosis and AI-operated equipment), expansion of elderly population, and globally more healthcare awareness. Key Growth Drivers and Opportunities Increased Chronic and Infectious Diseases: An increase in chronic and infectious diseases increases in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market, as these conditions require initial, accurate and continuous testing for effective treatment and management. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease demand regular monitoring through blood tests, biomarkers and genetic screening, while infectious diseases such as Covid -19, HIV and tuberculosis increase the need for rapid and large -scale clinical solutions. This increased disease burden increases the demand for advanced IVD tools, which is motivated to adopt health care systems more efficient, automatic and accurate clinical technologies to improve the results of the patient. Challenges In vitro diagnostics (IVD) market faces several borders, including high costs, regulatory complications, and reimbursement challenges of advanced clinical technologies that obstruct market access. Limited infrastructure and skilled workers also prohibit adoption in low- and moderate-income countries. Additionally, concerns over the accuracy and standardization of some rapid or point-key-care tests can affect confidence in reliability and results, slowing out extensive implementation. Innovation and Expansion Launch of a New HealthTech Hub to Promote In Vitro Diagnostics In March 2025, Industry, academia, and the healthcare sector convened at the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in In Vitro Diagnostics (HRC IVD) opening event to deliberate on the Center's goals and priorities. The HRC IVD, which is hosted by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), will aid in the advancement and uptake of diagnostics. The HRC IVD provides experience in regulatory clearances, real-world evidence creation, health economics, and overcoming adoption hurdles, with a focus on cancer, infectious and respiratory illnesses, critical care, and primary and social care. MP Biomedicals Releases Next-Generation GI Disease Diagnostic Kits In August 2024, MP Biomedicals has added new qualitative fast tests based on immunochromatography to their suite of in vitro diagnostic assays for infectious disorders. The new diagnostic kits from MP Biomedicals use state-of-the-art technology to provide reliable findings, allowing medical practitioners to quickly and accurately detect Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139, Salmonella typhi, and Helicobacter pylori. These cutting-edge diagnostic technologies have the potential to completely transform the field of gastrointestinal health diagnostics by giving medical practitioners dependable instruments for enhanced patient outcomes and early identification with previously unheard-of precision. These kits provide doctors, lab workers, and researchers useful tools that may be used in both clinical and research contexts. Inventive Sparks, Expanding Markets The key players operating the in vitro diagnostics market includes, Abbott, Qiagen, Agilent Technologies Inc., bioMerieux SA, Siemens Healthineers, Sysmex Corp., Danaher Corporation, F-Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Charles River Laboratories, Becton Dickinson and Company, and Others. About Author: Prophecy is a specialized market research, analytics, marketing and business strategy, and solutions company that offer strategic and tactical support to clients for making well-informed business decisions and to identify and achieve high value opportunities in the target business area. Also, we help our client to address business challenges and provide best possible solutions to overcome them and transform their business. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Alligator Bioscience to Host Virtual R&D Day on 19 August 2025
LUND, SE / / August 14, 2025 / Alligator Bioscience (Nasdaq Stockholm:ATORX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing tumor-directed immuno-oncology antibody drugs, today announces that it will host a virtual R&D Day on Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at 4 p.m. CEST. The event will provide an in-depth update on Alligator's R&D pipeline, with a primary focus on its lead candidate mitazalimab, ahead of the upcoming TO 13 warrant exercise period (1-15 September 2025). During the event, members of Alligator's executive management and R&D leadership will: Provide update on mitazalimab clinical data, as well biomarker findings and Phase 3 readiness. Discuss ongoing and planned investigator-initiated trials (IITs) exploring mitazalimab in additional indications and clinical settings. Provide a brief update on the pipeline program HLX22. Outline key R&D milestones over the next 6-12 months. The R&D Day will be held as a live Teams webinar and will include a Q&A session. All participants will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance, via ir@ or during the event. Event detailsDate: Tuesday, 19 August 2025Time: 4-5 p.m. CESTFormat: Virtual Teams webinarRegistration: Please use this link to register A replay of the event will be made available on Alligator's website after the webinar. For further information, please contact: Søren Bregenholt, CEOE-mail: +46 (0) 46 540 82 00 The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 1:00 p.m. CEST on 14 August 2025. About Alligator Bioscience Alligator is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing tumor-directed immuno-oncology antibody drugs focused on the CD40 receptor. This validated approach promotes priming of tumor-specific T cells and reversing the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment, with significant potential benefits for cancer patients across multiple types of cancer. The Company's lead drug candidate mitazalimab is currently in preparation for Phase 3 development, and has previously presented unprecedented survival data at 24-months follow up in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer patients in the Phase 2 trial OPTIMIZE-1. Alligator is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ATORX) and headquartered in Lund, Sweden. For more information, please visit Attachments Alligator Bioscience to host virtual R&D Day on 19 August 2025 SOURCE: Alligator Bioscience View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
