Africa: Ivermectin Was Touted As a Cure for Covid, Now It's Being Tested for Cancer. but What Can It Actually Treat?
AllAfrica
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ivermectin, a groundbreaking drug originally celebrated for treating parasitic infections, has undergone a dramatic journey from Nobel Prize-winning discovery to the center of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it was falsely hailed as a miracle cure for the virus despite lacking strong evidence, its potential as a cancer treatment is now under serious scientific investigation by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. This shift highlights the drug's versatility and underscores its evolving role in modern medicine.
Discovered in the 1970s, ivermectin was first approved for veterinary use in 1981 and later for human treatments in 1987. It is derived from the bacterium *Streptomyces avermitilis*, found near a Japanese golf course. The drug has proven effective against various parasitic diseases, including lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), strongyloidiasis, and scabies. Cochrane reviews confirm its efficacy in treating these conditions, often with fewer side effects than alternative medications.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ivermectin became a focal point of misinformation, with social media promoting it as a cure despite insufficient clinical evidence. While ongoing studies explore its potential in oncology, particularly for cancer treatment, its established uses remain focused on parasitic infections and skin conditions like rosacea.
The drug's history reflects the challenges of balancing scientific progress with public perception. Its current exploration for cancer highlights the importance of rigorous research to determine its true potential. For global health, ivermectin remains a critical tool in addressing neglected tropical diseases, particularly in low-resource settings where such infections are prevalent. Its continued study underscores the need for accurate information and evidence-based approaches in medicine.
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/25/2026