In early tests, two over-the-counter drugs appear to inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 virus, reports a study.

Investigators at the University of Florida found that the combination includes diphenhydramine, an antihistamine agent. When combined with lactoferrin, the compounds inhibited the virus during tests in monkey cells as well as human lung cells.

Individually, the two compounds were found to each inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus replication by around 30%; however, on adding them together, the virus replication was diminished by 99%. The findings are published in the journal Pathogens. The investigators stated that further research into the effectiveness of the compounds to prevent COVID-19 infection is being done in mouse models… (The Hindu – PTI, December 10, 2021)