WHO suspended Hydroxycloroquine trials

The World Health Organization recently suspended its trials on the efficacy of the drug Hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID-19. The HCQ trial is one of the four mega trials initiated by the organization.

Mega Trials

The four mega trials include HCQ, Lopinavir and Ritonavir, Lopinavir and Ritonavir along with Interferon and Remdesivir.

India’s Current Status

After WHO stopped its trials on HCQ, the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) announced that the drug will continue to be used as preventive treatment of COVID-19. Recently, ICMR revised its guidelines in the usage of HCQ.

In India the drug is mainly recommended for asymptomatic health care workers. It is not used to treat COVID-19 patients.

Reasons of Suspension

The clinical trials of HCQ on COVID-19 patients were suspended considering safety of the patients. WHO raised concerns over the fact that people in different parts of the world taking the drug without any proper medical guidance. While, the drug was recommended by the organization as a treatment and not as preventive measure.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020