Drugmaker MSD says its analysis of available data does not support the safety and efficacy of its anti-parasite drug ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19.

Ivermectin is used mainly to treat roundworms, threadworms and other parasites but has been investigated as a possible treatment for COVID-19.

In a statement on Thursday the company said its analysis of existing and emerging studies of the drug found no scientific basis for a potential therapeutic effect against the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

MSD added that there was a concerning lack of safety data in the majority of studies testing ivermectin to treat COVID-19 and cautioned against the use of the drug beyond its use as an anti-parasitic.