Russian scientists have proved the drugs effectiveness against the coronavirus

MOSCOW, 10 APR — RIA Novosti. Doctors have proved antiviral activity of the drug mefloquine against the causative agent COVID-19, said press service Federal biomedical Agency.

According to the head of FMBA of Veronika Skvortsova, mefloquine completely blocked the development of the cytopathic action of the virus SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture at a concentration of two micrograms per liter.

“This concentration in the blood plasma is achieved after administration of the drug at therapeutic doses approved for use in humans,” she said.

Research conducted Scientific-production center “parsemeta” with the participation of the 48th Central research Institute of the defence Ministry, said the press-service.

on the Eve of the Ministry of health has released new, fifth edition of the recommendations on the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infection.

In particular, the list of drugs includes chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir plus ritonavir, azithromycin (in combination with hydroxychloroquine), and drugs interferons. Mefloquine, hydroxychloroquine and advised to take those who had contact with the infected.

three of the drug — umifenovir, ramdevpir and favipiravir — are under clinical trials.

Pandemic coronavirus infection COVID-19 has affected almost whole world. According to the latest data of the who, has infected more than half a million people, almost 93 thousand died. In Russia revealed 11 917 patients with coronavirus (7822 of them in Moscow), 94 people died, nearly 800 were recovered.