Mosquito Repellent Shows Promise in Neutralizing Coronavirus, UK Study Finds

Researchers at the Ministry of Defense’s Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) had been tasked with evaluating the antiviral activity of the Mosi-guard Natural insect repellent. It contains a substance called Citriodiol, derived from the essential oil of lemon-scented eucalyptus, which could offer protection against Covid-19 according to a study published Wednesday by the British Ministry of Defense.

The product was applied directly to SARS-CoV-2 in the form of a drop as well as on a "synthetic skin" in latex, according to the ministry, which specifies in its press release that in both cases it has proven effective against the new coronavirus. However, it has not been peer-reviewed, the ministry pointed out while indicating that it has the interest of serving as a basis for other scientific bodies engaged in the same fight.

The DSTL researchers are sharing their preliminary results so that others can conduct more in-depth research, according to Sky News.

Still in the UK, the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca had announced on Tuesday the launch of phase 1 trials of AZD7442, a new drug to prevent and treat the disease caused by Covid-19.