31. Ivermectin: The Chemistry of Hope and Hype w/ Derek Lowe

There are philosophical reasons that political conservatives are more likely to cheer for experimental Covid-19 drugs - hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin – and reasons that political liberals are more likely to cheer for vaccines. But you can’t always get what you want. In this episode, medicinal chemist Derek Lowe, author of the In the Pipeline blog, gets into the molecular workings of things to explain why it’s easier to fight a viruses with vaccines than with drugs. He explains why it’s worth continuing to search for better drugs for Covid-19, and to test the much-publicized anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin. But there are scientific reasons that it’s a big long shot, and any miracle cure for Covid-19 is highly unlikely.

“Follow the Science" is produced, written, and hosted by Faye Flam, with funding by the Society for Professional Journalists. Today’s episode was edited by Seth Gliksman with music by Kyle Imperatore. If you’d like to hear more "Follow the Science," please like, follow, and subscribe!