On 30 January, the World Health Organization declared the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). As of 4 March 2020, 77 countries have reported cases of COVID-19 (WHO).
Chloroquine (also known as chloroquine phosphate) is an antimalarial medicine that can be prescribed for either prevention or treatment of malaria (CDC). As many experts and researchers recommended the efficacy of this anti-malarial drug in patients with COVID-19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been working to investigate the use of CQ in COVID-19 (FDA).
2. HQ AND HCQ EFFICACY AGAINST COVID-19
CQ and HCQ treatment in Covid-19 infected cells demonstrate potent in vitro inhibition of viral entry based on time of addition studies. So the potential of HCQ in the treatment of COVID-19 has been partially confirmed (Zhaowei Chen, et. al).
3. HQ & HCQ SAFETY PROFILE
CQ short term use is remarkably safe. However, when used over the long term CQ and HCQ has been associated with ocular keratopathy and retinopathy where high tissue concentrations occur (Rapeport, G).
4. CONCLUSION
Currently, there are no vaccines or specific pharmaceutical treatments available for COVID-19 (WHO).
5. REFERENCES
1. WHO, Responding to community spread of COVID-19. Interim guidance, 7 March 2020.
2. www.cdc.gov/malaria
3. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Continues to Facilitate Development of Treatments. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-continues-facilitate-development-treatments
4. Chen Z et al Efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in patients with COVID-19: results of a randomized clinical trial medRxiv 2020 doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.22.20040758
5. Rapeport , Garth., Does the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have a scientific rationale for the treatment of COVID-19?. National Heart and Lung Institute, 03 April 2020.
6. World Health Organization. COVID-2019 situation reports-59. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation
