The Controversial Move by Dr. Mary Talley Bowden
Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, a physician who has previously faced disciplinary action for prescribing an unapproved treatment for COVID-19, has now turned her attention to another health issue. In response to the emergence of hantavirus cases on a cruise ship, she has begun selling an unproven horse dewormer known as ivermectin.
Bowden made headlines after suggesting that ivermectin could be effective against hantavirus, which is a type of RNA virus. She posted on social media that ivermectin “blocks RNA viruses from entering the nucleus, inhibits viral replication, disrupts integrity of the viral membrane and can prevent viral replication.” This claim has sparked significant debate among medical professionals and the public alike.
A New Business Venture
In addition to making these claims, Bowden has also launched a new business venture. She announced on social media that she would be selling ivermectin to Texans without requiring a prescription. According to her, the cost of 100 pills would be up to $110. However, this price has been met with criticism, as some users pointed out that similar products are available on Amazon for as little as $10.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from the public. One commenter remarked, “The only thing these people learned from the last pandemic is to start the grift early.” This sentiment reflects the growing concern about individuals exploiting public health crises for financial gain.
Past Legal Issues
This is not the first time that Bowden has found herself in legal trouble. Last year, the Texas Medical Board issued a public reprimand for her actions when she prescribed ivermectin to a COVID-19 patient without proper authorization. During a 2025 interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Bowden recalled how she had initially followed the government’s guidelines regarding ivermectin but later felt compelled to speak out on social media.
She explained that she had privileges at Texas Health Huguley Hospital and believed that the government’s stance on ivermectin was misleading. “And when they ignored me, then I started speaking out on social media,” she said. “And that’s how, that’s what got me in trouble.”
The Ongoing Debate
Bowden’s comments about the effectiveness of ivermectin have been met with skepticism from the medical community. While she claims that the drug works against RNA viruses, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its use for treating diseases like hantavirus or even COVID-19. The government has consistently warned against using ivermectin for these purposes, citing potential risks and lack of proven benefits.
Her actions have raised questions about the role of social media in spreading unverified medical information. As more individuals take to platforms like X to share their views, the challenge of distinguishing fact from opinion becomes increasingly difficult.
Public Response and Concerns
The public’s reaction to Bowden’s latest move has been largely negative. Many have expressed concern over the potential harm that could result from using unproven treatments. Others have criticized the commercialization of health issues, arguing that such practices prioritize profit over patient safety.
Despite the backlash, Bowden continues to promote her product, emphasizing her belief in the efficacy of ivermectin. However, the broader implications of her actions remain a topic of discussion among healthcare professionals and the general public.
