Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic frequently used to treat infections. Some studies suggest that it can also be repurposed to treat COVID-19, but such effects appear to be counteracted by tetracycline-class antibiotics. Our goal is to identify and understand the biochemical basis of this clinical result. A possible physical interaction between ivermectin and tetracycline that could result in chemical modification was investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Absorbance profiles were generated for the compounds alone and in combination using various solvents. In addition, the effects of tetracycline on ivermectin ability to inhibit mitochondrial function was examined in mammalian tissue culture cells. Cells were treated with various concentrations of the two compounds for short periods of time. The effect on ATP levels was determined using CellTiterGlo<sup>TM</sup>, a luciferase-based assay that measures ATP levels by correlating them with the amount of luminescence produced. Results indicate that while tetracyclines do not appear to physically interact with ivermectin, these antibiotics do block the ability of ivermectin to inhibit mitochondrial function.

Evaluating the physical and biochemical interactions of tetracyclines with ivermectin

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.