Nobel Prize awarded in 2015 for the discovery/invention of ivermectin for use in humans

[Klaralven]

2015-10-05

The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with one half jointly to
William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura
for their discoveries concerning a novel therapy against infections caused by roundworm parasites.

A variety of parasites cause disease. A medically important group are the parasitic worms (helminths), which are estimated to afflict one third of the world’s population and are particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Central and South America. River Blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis are two diseases caused by parasitic worms. As the name implies, River Blindness (Onchocerciasis) ultimately leads to blindness, because of chronic inflammation in the cornea. Lymphatic Filariasis, afflicting more than 100 million people, causes chronic swelling and leads to life-long stigmatizing and disabling clinical symptoms, including Elephantiasis (Lymphedema) and Scrotal Hydrocele.

...

After decades of limited progress in developing durable therapies for parasitic diseases, the discoveries by this year’s Laureates radically changed the situation.

Satoshi Ōmura, a Japanese microbiologist and expert in isolating natural products, focused on a group of bacteria, Streptomyces, which lives in the soil and was known to produce a plethora of agents with antibacterial activities (including Streptomycin discovered by Selman Waksman, Nobel Prize 1952). Equipped with extraordinary skills in developing unique methods for large-scale culturing and characterization of these bacteria, Ōmura isolated new strains of Streptomyces from soil samples and successfully cultured them in the laboratory. From many thousand different cultures, he selected about 50 of the most promising, with the intent that they would be further analyzed for their activity against harmful microorganisms.

William C. Campbell, an expert in parasite biology working in the USA, acquired Ōmura’s Streptomyces cultures and explored their efficacy. Campbell showed that a component from one of the cultures was remarkably efficient against parasites in domestic and farm animals. The bioactive agent was purified and named Avermectin, which was subsequently chemically modified to a more effective compound called Ivermectin. Ivermectin was later tested in humans with parasitic infections and effectively killed parasite larvae (microfilaria) (Figure 3). Collectively, Ōmura and Campbell’s contributions led to the discovery of a new class of drugs with extraordinary efficacy against parasitic diseases.

...

Today the Avermectin-derivative Ivermectin is used in all parts of the world that are plagued by parasitic diseases. Ivermectin is highly effective against a range of parasites, has limited side effects and is freely available across the globe. The importance of Ivermectin for improving the health and well being of millions of individuals with River Blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis, primarily in the poorest regions of the world, is immeasurable. Treatment is so successful that these diseases are on the verge of eradication, which would be a major feat in the medical history of humankind.

https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2015/press-release/

Characterizing ivermectin as an "horse dewormer" does disservice to the huge benefit it has had for millions of the poorest people in the tropics, particularly for largely eradicating river blindness in Africa.

It is also scientifically inaccurate.

[SidDithers]

1. But it's not an effective treatment / prophylactic for Covid...nt

Sid

[Klaralven]

2. Correct, and it is not a substitute for getting vaccinated.

[rockfordfile]

48. then why don't you say it in your op

[lagomorph777]

50. Because that doesn't fit the narrative.

This sort of propaganda starts gradually, building a narrative through a slippery series of posts.

(1) "Ivermectin is perfectly safe for humans!"
(2) "Ivermectin kills stuff"
(3) "If you need to kill stuff, try Ivermenctin"

[Wounded Bear]

3. But it still doesn't cure covid...

[lagomorph777]

4. FOR PARASITES.

You're really reaching. Your antivaxxer crap is not welcome here.

[womanofthehills]

40. Why so mean to someone educating you about

IVM being one of the most prescribed and important drugs in Africa and emerging countries. There is IVM
Made for animals and IVM for HUMANS.

[xmas74]

45. But what the majority of those using it for covid

Is horse dewormer or Sheep Drench. I know someone with several horses. She said horse groups are talking about how it's in short supply because they're buying it at Tractor Supply,Fleet Farm, Farm and Fleet,Orschlens, Swishers,etc and using it for human consumption. They are buying products not made for that purpose.

[Ohio Joe]

5. Well...

Since almost all doctors are refusing to prescribe it for covid... Since it does not help at all... Many lunatic RWNJ's are buying the paste used as a dewormer to 'treat' themselves so... Yeah, they are taking dewormer.

[EYESORE 9001]

6. Roundworm infestations don't cause COVID-19

and even if Ivermectin were effective against COVID-19, humans shouldn’t be taking formulations of it designed for horses or other livestock.

It’s a valuable medication, but not for COVID-19.

[Xoan]

7. Promoting it as an antiviral is scientifically STUPID.

[lagomorph777]

29. It's suspicious.

This poster has a history of posts that insinuate all kinds of RW talking points, while being clever enough to not quite get alerted.

[womanofthehills]

41. Please tell us, what in that post is a RW talking point?

The poster is just trying to educate some of you folks that IVM is not just a f..king dewormer. There is a HUMAN pill That had saved millions of lives in Africa, South America and the developing countries - river blindness, encephalitis, etc

Over decades, over 4 billion doses given with a good safety record.

[lagomorph777]

49. Well, hello! You're right on cue.

[Ocelot II]

8. People are consuming livestock dewormer containing ivermectin because

they've been getting bad information from the internet, causing them to believe ivermectin cures or prevents covid19. It doesn't. The drug is useful and appropriate as prescribed for humans in proper dosages for certain parasitic diseases, but ingesting horse dewormer in doses appropriate for a 1,000-lb. horse will give you bad diarrhea without doing a damn thing about your covid problem.

[Blues Heron]

9. If they're swallowing horse paste they're swallowing horse paste

If you don't want to be accused of swallowing horse paste, maybe get your ivermectin from a doctor not a vet?

[quaint]

10. Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19

FDA

Here’s What You Need to Know about Ivermectin

FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. Ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses).
Taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm.
If you have a prescription for ivermectin for an FDA-approved use, get it from a legitimate source and take it exactly as prescribed.
Never use medications intended for animals on yourself. Ivermectin preparations for animals are very different from those approved for humans.

What is Ivermectin and How is it Used?

Ivermectin tablets are approved by the FDA to treat people with intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, two conditions caused by parasitic worms. In addition, some topical (on the skin) forms of ivermectin are approved to treat external parasites like head lice and for skin conditions such as rosacea.

Some forms of ivermectin are used in animals to prevent heartworm disease and certain internal and external parasites. It’s important to note that these products are different from the ones for people, and safe when used as prescribed for animals, only.

[MuseRider]

11. I am still wondering

how they take the horse paste. Do they put it on a cracker? Mix it with chocolate? It must be vile tasting, I often end up with half the dose I give my horses right back in my hair!

Yes it is helpful but not for Covid. I have never heard of it being used in this country any other way than horse wormer and even so, it is the most common way it is used here and hardly a bad thing to call it horse dewormer.

At this point, and I do get your point, it would be irresponsible to not try anything to get them to stop this stupid self treatment that will help no one unless they have parasites.

[xmas74]

46. You need to get on Tiktok.

The "proud patriots" are making videos of them smearing it on their finger and taking it straight up.

[MuseRider]

47. Oh good lord

of course. How could I not have known? LOL, thanks, I think I will skip it.

[xmas74]

58. I don't know...

It's free entertainment.

[nebby70]

12. ... for the scientifically uninformed....

... round worms, and parasites are big ole nasty things that live inside you that have a nerves...
... hence a neuron-toxin works on them...
... virus are teeny tiny little things without a nerve ... (okay they have 'nerve', but don't have 'nerves'...
... hence they don't give a fig about something that disrupts nerve operation...

.... better??.....

[Ligyron]

13. Many refused to get vaxed because it was not FDA approved

Yet they’ll take Ivermectin which is specifically NOT approved by them for treating COVID.

The irony - you can’t make this shit up.

[Doc Sportello]

14. Props to the poster for some truth telling

Including this statement:
"Characterizing ivermectin as an "horse dewormer" does disservice to the huge benefit it has had for millions of the poorest people in the tropics, particularly for largely eradicating river blindness in Africa.

It is also scientifically inaccurate."

Both of those statements are unequivocally true. The poster did not praise the drug as an anti- Covid treatment, or those who promote it as such. When a drug is helping millions of people in underserved areas of the world it is perfectly acceptable to note that. I would think people on DU would be able to distinguish between the facts of a drug's benefits and the idiocy of those who use it in ignorant ways.

[Blues Heron]

18. LEAVE IVERMECTIN ALONE!! sniff...

lol this thread reminds me of the awesome leave britanny alone meme

[Doc Sportello]

21. I see a resemblance too

Between most of the responses and the responses you see on RW sites when facts are introduced.

[LanternWaste]

32. Facts as well as editorials and narratives.

OPs so often have the one only at the expense of the other... as well as the responses.




(I see now... threading the needle isn't hard at all)

[treestar]

27. +1

The poster said nothing anti-vaxx, merely that the drug is not just for horses.

[lagomorph777]

30. Interesting how pro-Ivermectin posters and antivaxxer posters seem to team up here.

Almost as if they're coordinated...hmmm....

[Doc Sportello]

35. Oh please

Who, pray tell, are these anti-vaxxer and pro-Ivermectin posters who are conspiring to team up here? I haven't seen any and I certainly have not made any such posts. Perhaps you could enlighten us and then we can investigate this RW plot. If not, we can only conclude that you are making unsubstantiated accusations against this poster and others. Perhaps I'm part of the "plot" in your mind. The poster simply made the FACTUAL point that the drug has saved millions of lives and you shouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water because of some RW idiots. Have any FACTS to back up your claims?

[lagomorph777]

36. It's a pretty clever trick - post something true but totally irrelevant, while sowing some confusion

"Hey, look - it's OK for people!"

Next step is "and it does kill stuff!"

Next step is "if you need to kill something, try this!"

It's part of a concerted pattern of posts. There are others here, doing similar stuff. Each individual post just skates the line, but collectively, they create doubt and confusion. And kill people.

Those who leap to the defense of this strategy must naturally draw some scrutiny themselves.

[Doc Sportello]

37. So you can't back up your claims of evil conspiracies by DU posters?

Where are the links to these supposed "concerted pattern of posts" that you claim to exist. Who is posting them? You made accusations, so back them up. Either that or apologize to the poster. The only deflection and tricks are on your part. Unless, of course, you can prove me wrong with links, actual quotes, you know FACTUAL sorts of things that show you aren't just making despicable accusations against other posters.

[lagomorph777]

52. You're making my case for me.

You seem rather sensitive about this.

Odd.

[Doc Sportello]

61. Your silence proves you have nothing to back up your ridiculous claims

Not one link, not one quote. Just wild accusations with nothing to back them up. In fact, you are exemplifying exactly what you claim others are doing. Projection at its worst. Case closed.

[womanofthehills]

42. It's not totally irrelevant - it's the big story now

Many have no Idea that there is Horse IVM and HUMAN IVM and HUMAN IVM has a great safety record.

[lagomorph777]

51. Shhh - you're screwing Doc's claim that the antivaxxers here aren't coordinating.

[kcr]

60. But ivermectin IS used as a horse dewormer

It also isn't used as an antiviral. The OP is not about truth. It's defending rightwingers pushing horse dewormer as a treatment for covid.

[blm]

15. Covid is NOT a parasite. Quit trying to bolster RW idiocy.

They count on mixed messaging.

FFS!

[lagomorph777]

31. Sowing subtle doubt is the plan here.

Look at this poster's history.

[captain queeg]

16. The bad thing about these kind of actions can lead to making something unavailable to regular folks

Who would use it for its intended purpose. Horse owners (maybe other livestock) would have to go to a vet for a prescription. I think of Sudafed which is not available right over the counter any more. Either have to ask the pharmacist or in some states get a doctors prescription due to people abusing it. Not the exact same situation, but a few can screw things up for the many.

[hlthe2b]

17. It is among our most successful antiparasitic drugs, including in horses, pets, livestock and humans

THAT IS NOT scientifically inaccurate. And while I laud its use for such devasting human parasitic diseases as river blindness, Filariasis, and common helminth infections, to discount its value in similarly treating livestock is abhorrent. Those goats, cattle, pigs feed those populations and their parasites are devastating to their long-term health, reproductive efficiency, and likewise can often transmit to other animals, including humans.

So, in your zeal to discount veterinary uses of this drug as somehow being "less" important or of little value, you have diminished the point of your own post.

That said, there is no valid study supporting use of Ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 or any other virus. The one study upon which others base their assumptions was withdrawn by the author after accusations of fraudulent data became widespread. So, if you meant for your post to bolster use in humans for COVID-19, it is at best highly speculative and premature pending ANY human double-blinded studies whatsoever.

See
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=15797181
and the thread

[Spider Jerusalem]

19. "anti-parasitic agent" "dewormer" (unless you want to argue that it's not)

and here in the USA at least its primary use is veterinary. Calling it "horse dewormer" is fair.

[Kali]

20. bullshit (ha!)

primary use in the US is in livestock, it is perfectly legit to call it horse dewormer.

[Caliman73]

22. True. It is an anti-parasitic. Not an anti-bacterial or antiviral.

The primary use of Ivermectin is in treating parasitic infections in livestock.

People say, "Horse de-wormer" because it is the most attention grabbing phrase to denote that treating a parasite is NOT AT ALL like treating a virus. You are absolutely correct. It is inaccurate.

I do not think that it does any kind of disservice to anyone. If my kids get lice or some other kind of parasitic disease, then of course I will ask their doctor about Ivermectin or other anti-parasitic medication. If they get streptococcus or a UTI, then anti-bacterial it is. The flu? Well, if we can catch it in time, Tamiflu or similar antiviral.

No one is actually mocking Ivermectin as a drug. We are mocking idiots who want to use it in a way that is completely contradictory to its intended purpose is.

[Hugin]

23. I posit that the biggest disservice to this useful tool is being done by those...

who are advocating its inappropriate use.

[mathematic]

25. If it's not a horse dewormer then why is there a horse on the box?

It's even apple flavored!

[SharonClark]

26. DEWORMING DOES NOT PREVENT COVID IN HUMANS

Ivermectin is a dewormer. When taken orally by humans in very poor and healthcare challenged countries, it is still a dewormer.
In the US, it is known as a "horse wormer" because, I suspect, that the majority of people who buy it call it a "horse wormer" and use it for that purpose.

[ripcord]

28. I'm amazed

This is medical study by a respected university, everyone does know that studies like this are also used to rule out treatments as well as recommending them, right?

[lagomorph777]

33. The study is about parasites.

However, the poster is trying to subtly insinuate that it's perfectly fine to give to humans. Of course, that paves the way toward "let's give it for COVID - it kills stuff and it's OK for people!1!"

[HAB911]

34. The same could be said about

ANY medicine not approved for COVID

TOO FUNNY

[Hortensis]

38. We should always be honest. Buying horse deworming medicine

not shown to be in the least effective against the virus or approved by the FDA is insane enough.

It's also commonly been used by hospitals here to treat for some parasites, including scabies. Though it's not FDA approved for scabies either, whole communities may see decreases in scabies mite infestations. That's skin these happy little mites are cavorting in and they're eager spreaders, so horse dewormer use is not without its good side.

[HAB911]

39. Doctor, my wife IS CURED!

but I can’t get her to stop grazing in the backyard. And all the mooing. The neighbors are starting to talk

[xmas74]

43. What my local yokels are buying and consuming is horse

Dewormer or Sheep Drench. They're buying it at Orschlens and Tractor Supply.

It's not a disservice if it accurately describes what they are using.

[Locutusofborg]

44. This very important information

I, for one, want as many Trump supporters to be free of worms and parasites as possible. Worms and parasites can be co-existing conditions that can weaken the immune system and make one more susceptible to COVID-19.

[ProfessorGAC]

53. So What?

An extensive post with citations but without a point.
The issue (and it's the only issue) is that a drug with evidence near zero is an antiviral, or an effective respiratory antiinflammatory, is being promoted as a COVID therapeutic.
The use of, or usefulness, of IVM for other maladies is wholly irrelevant.
All that typing and it fails to answer the simple question "So what?"

[lagomorph777]

54. Well, it helps subtly insinuate the idea that Ivermectin is a good thing.

The idea is to slowly ease us into antivaxxer crazyland. I think the OP mistakes us for idiots.

[OneGrassRoot]

55. There is a definite theme to their posts. n/t

[lagomorph777]

56. If you're seeing the theme too, please tell the admins.

The campaign is quite slippery and it's hard to flag any one post. Somebody has to look at the full histories of these posters.

[jmowreader]

57. The only problems with this rant...

…which is quite accurate, by the way, are:

One, ivermectin is an antihelmitic. It kills worms. That’s what it’s for, and that’s all it’s for.

And two, most of the people who are trying to treat their COVID with ivermectin aren’t using pills intended for people…which may not even be in your local pharmacies because the US doesn’t have the conditions needed for these worms to take hold. They’re going to the feed store and buying equine-grade paste.

So…what the Trumpists are using is, quite literally, horse dewormer.

[kcr]

59. Calling it a horse dewormer is in no way scientifically inaccurate

It is, however, entirely inaccurate to claim it works as an antiviral.