New COVID Treatment Drug Developed At UNC Chapel Hill Shows Promising Results

CHARLOTTE, NC – There is some encouraging news coming out of UNC Chapel Hill in regards to the treatment of COVID patients. Researchers have developed a drug that’s showing promising results.

“It’s actually been probably the most encouraging part of this whole crazy pandemic year,” said Dr. Lisa Gralinski, an assistant professor of epidemiology at UNC.

“At least we have a chance to do something that might make a difference and might make a difference in a pretty rapid fashion,” said Gralinski.

She says they injected mice with human lung tissue infected with COVID. The mice were then given the new drug.

“It knocked down viral replication pretty significantly so we’re pretty excited about this result,” said Gralinski.

The scientific breakthrough comes as the state’s covid numbers continue to decline. The percent positive is now under 10% and hospitalizations are falling.

Vaccinations still lag due to limited supply especially within minorities.

“We start by making sure every community has access to these vaccines,” said Gov. Roy Cooper.

Cooper says the state will get a 5% increase in vaccine supply next week, but that still won’t be enough to meet the demand.

“We still have thousands and thousands of people who are on waiting lists who are 65 and older waiting for a vaccine and waiting for supply to increase,” explained Cooper.

As for teachers and schools, Cooper says it’s imperative to get kids and teachers back into buildings, but he didn’t commit to vaccinating teachers at the top of group three.

“We know that when you take the appropriate safety protocols that teachers can be in the classroom with students and that they can teach,” said Cooper.