Even with ongoing research, there is no solid evidence that ivermectin treats cancer in humans; a 2026 study that went viral faced criticism for lacking a control group and relying on patient self-reports and was issued an Expression of Concern. The article uses this case to show how science can trail social media buzz and celebrity endorsements, underscoring the need to interpret early findings cautiously, seek corroborating studies, and consult healthcare professionals before acting.
A JAMA Network study found ivermectin prescriptions for cancer patients doubled in January–July 2025, and were 2.5 times higher than in 2024, a rise researchers tie to Mel Gibson’s appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience promoting ivermectin. Experts warn there is no evidence ivermectin treats cancer, and its use could delay proven chemotherapy or worsen outcomes.
A UCLA-led study finds cancer patients’ prescriptions for the off-label combo of ivermectin and fenbendazole surged more than 2.5 times after Mel Gibson’s January 2025 appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, though there is no solid human evidence these drugs treat cancer. Increases were largest among men, White patients, and residents of the U.S. South; researchers caution that causation isn’t proven and unproven therapies could delay effective treatments, while some scientists note the drugs’ preclinical anti-cancer activity at doses not safe for humans. The study calls for careful communication and more research into potential harms and any true anti-cancer properties.
After Mel Gibson cited ivermectin and fenbendazole on Joe Rogan's podcast, a JAMA Network Open study found cancer-related prescriptions for the ivermectin–benzimidazole combo nearly doubled in the month after, with larger increases among men, White patients, ages 18–64, and residents of southern states. The researchers caution that the study is observational and cannot prove causation, and they note there is no clinical evidence supporting the safety or effectiveness of this treatment for cancer; clinicians advise consulting qualified healthcare professionals and acknowledge the possibility some patients obtained the drugs without prescriptions.
After Mel Gibson touted an unproven ivermectin–benzimidazole cancer treatment on Joe Rogan's podcast, prescriptions for these drugs rose 2.5x among cancer patients, despite no proven efficacy and potential toxicity, highlighting how celebrity endorsements can lead patients to delay proven therapies.
New research in JAMA Network Open finds a sharp rise in prescriptions of ivermectin and fenbendazole among cancer patients after Mel Gibson and Joe Rogan publicized anecdotal cures, despite no solid evidence of cancer benefit and fenbendazole not being approved for humans. The seven-month 2025 rate was about four per 100,000, roughly double 2024; clinicians caution that such use can delay proven therapies and cause toxicity or interactions. The uptick is linked to misinformation circulating on social media and podcasts, with the rise more pronounced among men, white patients, and in the U.S. South.
In a May 10 interview on Face the Nation, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb says the hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship presents low transmission risk but could yield additional cases as repatriations continue and the incubation window plays out; he criticizes ongoing leadership turnover and staff losses at the FDA, defends the continued use of antidepressants when properly prescribed and warns against abrupt stopping, and rejects ivermectin as an effective treatment while urging reliance on medical guidance.
A Medical Council fitness-to-practise inquiry heard that Wexford GP Dr William (Billy) Ralph posted a large number of tweets between Oct 2020 and Jun 2022 criticizing Covid-19 public health policies (including child vaccination, masks and lockdowns) and promoting ivermectin, with allegations these posts breached professional conduct; the account has since been suspended and the hearing will continue with expert evidence.
Idaho pathologist Dr. Ryan Cole, known for promoting ivermectin and facing regulatory scrutiny over COVID-19 misinformation, was named head of medical and scientific affairs at the Independent Medical Alliance, a small physician group involved in contested COVID-19 treatment debates. The move follows Cole’s Idaho public health board role and prior licensing actions in Washington, with the alliance praising his stance against the mainstream medical guidance.
The National Cancer Institute is conducting a preclinical study of ivermectin as a potential cancer therapy, with results expected in months, a move that has drawn opposition from some scientists who say there is no solid evidence and warn about misinforming patients, even as officials and influencers promote the idea.
A large-scale study demonstrates that administering ivermectin, a common antiparasitic drug, to communities reduces malaria cases by 26% by making human blood deadly to mosquitoes, offering a promising new tool to combat malaria especially where resistance to traditional methods is rising.
Several states are proposing or have enacted laws to make ivermectin available over the counter, despite the FDA not approving its use for COVID-19 and warnings about potential risks. The move is driven by political and public interest, but remains controversial due to safety concerns and lack of clinical evidence for COVID treatment.
Dr. Pierre Kory, a pulmonary critical care physician and president of the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, challenges the official narrative on COVID-19 vaccine safety, claiming that data doesn't support the statement that vaccines are safe and effective. He suggests that excess fatalities and disability claims have increased after people started taking the COVID-19 vaccines, and he has seen more patients with problems developed after vaccination. Kory also criticizes the suppression of information counter to the vaccine safety message and alleges that the pharmaceutical industry influences medical journals to favor vaccines. He advocates for the use of ivermectin as a successful treatment for COVID-19 and accuses a global disinformation campaign of trying to destroy early effective treatment drugs in order to promote the vaccine campaign.
Dr. Roach advises against using ivermectin as it has been found ineffective against COVID-19 and similar viruses, with potential for toxicity at high doses. People with a history of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are at higher risk for developing long COVID symptoms, making prevention through vaccination, social distancing, and hand hygiene crucial. While the effectiveness of Paxlovid in preventing long COVID is uncertain, getting vaccinated has been shown to reduce the risk of developing long COVID symptoms.
US households can now order four free Covid tests from the government through COVIDTests.gov. The CDC and FDA recommend one dose of the updated vaccine for everyone six months and older, with some children eligible for up to three doses. Hospitalizations and deaths have been rising, and two new variants, Pirola and Eris, are being monitored. Four prisoners in Arkansas settled a lawsuit after being given ivermectin without consent, winning $2,000 each. Novavax has shipped millions of updated Covid vaccines, with availability expected by the end of the week. GOP politicians have raised concerns about the safety of the updated vaccines, but health authorities maintain they are safe and effective. The CDC offers the Covid vaccine for free through the Bridge Access Program. Most hospitalizations are among those 65 and older, with a low percentage having received the recommended booster. Covid hospitalizations are declining for the second week in a row. New York City has stopped reporting vaccination data, and experts warn of a possible uptick in cases. New research suggests the existence of "long colds" with symptoms similar to long Covid.
