A group of researchers in northern Israel announced on 27 Feb 2020 that they had achieved a “scientific breakthrough” in treating coronavirus. At a press conference, researchers of the Migal Galilee Research Institute briefed the successful treatment applied on coronavirus in birds. Israel’s Volcani Agricultural Research Institute had confirmed the treatment’s viability after they discovered the cure via a clinical trial on birds infected with the coronavirus.

Coronavirus infecting birds is very similar in patterns of human infection, and human symptoms. The coronavirus genetic structure isolated from human and birds are found to be matching as per the researchers. As a result, the treatment developed for birds could be applicable to humans. Researchers believe that based on the finding s an effective treatment could be developed for humans within three months.

David Zigdon, Chief Operating Officer of the Institute, said that “The solution we are developing against COVID-19 virus has proven effective, and we believe a version for human treatment can be ready within eight to 10 weeks. That would be followed by a 90-day test period to ensure safety. The treatment we developed for birds is given orally, and the treatment we are developing for humans will also be given orally.”

Director of the Institute Professor Dan Levanon said the speed with which the treatment could be used would depend on regulatory approval.