A Maine scientist says lobster blood may be effective in treating COVID-19, since it's proven effective for other viruses.

Lobster Unlimited has developed a topical skin product, not yet on the market, that can be used to treat other viral illnesses, like warts and shingles. Bob Bayer, the former head of the University of Maine's Lobster Institute, told the BDN that lobsters have a blood-like substance called hemolymph, that contains a substance called hemocyanin. This anti-viral and immune-boosting protein carries oxygen to the lobster's cells and is already being used in the treatment of cancer.

Lobster Unlimited was awarded a patent for its work in treating herpes simplex. But Bayer says no testing has been done, as yet, on coronavirus-type illnesses, which would need bio-security to be completed. Will it work? There's no way to know for sure until it's been tested. Still, Bayer says, it's definitely worth exploring.

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