Dewormer ivermectin as cancer cure? RFK Jr.'s NIH funds 'absurd' study.
Source: Ars Technica
Background
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is using federal funds to study whether cancer can be cured by ivermectin, a cheap, off‑patent anti‑parasitic and deworming drug. Fringe medical groups previously claimed ivermectin could treat COVID‑19, but large, high‑quality clinical trials have resoundingly concluded that ivermectin is not effective against COVID‑19【Ars Technica】. There is no scientific evidence—old or new—to support a hypothesis that ivermectin can cure cancer or to justify the federal expenditure.
NCI Study Announcement
During a January 30 event, Anthony Letai—cancer researcher appointed director of the NCI in September by the Trump administration—said the institute was pursuing ivermectin research.
“There are enough reports of it, enough interest in it, that we actually did—ivermectin, in particular—did engage in sort of a better preclinical study of its properties and its ability to kill cancer cells and we’ll probably have those results in a few months. So we are taking it seriously.”
The comments were highlighted in a report from KFF Health News【link】 and covered by Ars Technica【link】. The event, titled “Reclaiming Science: The People’s NIH,” was hosted by the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) Institute.
Letai’s Remarks
Letai appeared to temper expectations while avoiding offense to ivermectin supporters:
- “It’s not going to be a cure‑all for cancer.”
- “Even if there are signals of anti‑cancer properties in the preclinical studies, I can tell you again, it’s not a really strong signal.”