By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know that since the Wuhan (Covid-10) Virus hit the shores of the United States last December, both scientists and pharmaceutical companies have been working on both medications and a cure?
This is what we know thus far, early on when the Virus was first spreading across the U.S, President Trump was pushing several medications that he exclaimed where effective in battling Covid-19. Those two medications, Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine later were proven to have a high risk of heart related issues with patients who took those specific medications.
Another and newer medication, Remdesivir which is being developed by Gilead Sciences, is now in the testing stages as are many other medications for treatment of the Cornona-19 Virus. China, from where the Wuhan Virus started, is now conducting more than 80 different clinical trials of their own on various “medications” to treat this virus. Specifically, the Chinese are looking to see how HIV antivirals, called “protease inhibitors” such as “AZT” (Azidothymidine) can work to block enzymes the virus needs to replicate. Some experts tell us that medications that specifically target pathogens (such as HIV medications) are unlikely to work.
There are also multiple clinical trials across the world including here in the USA of various new immunization medications. The normal and or usual time for clinical trial can take years, but the U.S Center For Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration are allowing expedited trials of medications and in some cases, allowing experimental use of medications on Covid-19 infected patients.
One last but promising and time-consuming promise to aide those infected with the Virus, is the process is called “Plasmapheresis.” This is where the antibodies from former Covid-19 patients who have recovered from Covid-19 will be transferred into critically ill patients with the disease. This is a proven and effective treatment, but again, it is a time-consuming process and also, you need willing people who have recovered and are willing to donate their plasma.