UoN scientists have discovered a potential Covid-19 cure

Scientists from the University of Nottingham have found a potential cure for COVID-19; a drug which derives from a ‘deadly carrot’.

The study is led by Professor Kin-Chow-Chang, who joined the University of Nottingham in 2008 as a Professor of Veterinary Molecular Medicine, alongside other researchers from various schools at the University, including Biosciences, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy and Veterinary.

Their research has shown that the drug thapsigargin, which is derived from the ‘deadly carrot’ thapsia plant and has previously been trialled against prostate cancer, is effective at producing an antiviral immune response against three types of human respiratory viruses, including Covid-19.

The University of Nottingham proudly shared the news on Twitter:

Though it has only been tested on mice so far, if proven to be effective in humans, the drug could be taken as a tablet, for use before or during infection. The drug works within half an hour, by preventing a virus from making new copies of itself in cells, with the effects lasting for at least 48 hours.

Professor Chang has stated: “Whilst we are still at the early stages of research into this antiviral and its impact on how viruses such as Covid-19 can be treated, theses findings are hugely significant. The current pandemic highlights the need for effective antivirals to treat active infections, as well as vaccines, to prevent the infection.

“Given that future pandemics are likely to be of animal origin, where animal to human (zoonotic) and reverse zoonotic (human to animal) spread take place, a new generation of antivirals, such as thapsigargin, could play a key role in the control and treatment of important viral infections in both humans and animals.”