Montenegro seeks coronavirus cure at Adriatic bottom

Montenegro has a unique chance to find material for the manufacture of antiviral drugs, which will be effective in treatment including COVID-19. This opinion was expressed by Professor Hermann Erlich of Bergakademie Freiberg Technical University. Dr. Ehrlich, together with the Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor, Montenegro, has been investigating the properties of the golden sponge (Aplysina aerophoba) since 2008 and argues that antiviral drugs effective in the case of coronavirus can be produced from it. An international group of scientists in different parts of the coast is currently working on the project. They argue that the colonies of these sponges should also live off the coasts of Croatia and Albania. Golden sponges are protected species, however they grow rapidly, and in Montenegro learned to grow them artificially. The Government of Montenegro also supports the project.