Australian scientists may have cure for the common cold

MELBOURNE, Australia Scientists in Australia are hopeful that they have come up with a pill that could cure the common cold, Sky News reported. Trials with British volunteers started this week and, if successful, the pill could be on the market within five years.

Tests on the drug, known as BTA 798, have already shown that it can kill large quantities of the cold virus within hours, according to the report. The drug is being developed by Biota Holdings, which also developed flu medication Relenza.

“I definitely think it’s a good idea for the treatment of the common cold if it works—and only time will tell as far as that is concerned,” professor Sebastian Johnston of Imperial College’s National Heart and Lung Institute told Sky News.