New FDA Approves Use Of Chloroquine For Coronavirus Treatment1

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine and some other drugs for the treatment of coronavirus till a vaccine is developed. The anti-malaria drug  will now be massively produced and administered on coronavirus patients.

The US Department of Health and Human Services said that  chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and other drugs are being investigated as potential COVID-19 treatments. The FDA has allowed chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine ‘to be distributed and prescribed by doctors to hospitalized teen and adult patients with COVID-19, as appropriate, when a clinical trial is not available or feasible.’

Karine Le Roch, a professor of cell biology at the University of California, explained that both chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are weak bases that elevate the pH of parts of human cells called organelles – which are analogous to organs in animals – and which are normally acidic and interferes with the virus’ ability to enter the cells while blocking them from replicating once they are already inside.

China used CQ on a trial of 134 patients in February, finding it was effective in reducing the severity of the illness, according to officials.

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