Trump says two antimalarial drugs to be approved for coronavirus treatment

On March 30, 2020, President Donald Trump announced that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) had approved two antimalarial drugs, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ), for emergency use to treat COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The announcement was made during a press briefing at the White House, where Trump stated that the FDA had granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for the two drugs, which are typically used to treat malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The EUA allows healthcare providers to use HCQ and CQ to treat COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized or in severe condition, and who have not responded to other treatments. The authorization is based on limited data and is intended to expand treatment options for patients with severe COVID-19.

However, it's important to note that the FDA's EUA is not the same as a full approval, and the agency has emphasized that the drugs have not been proven to be safe and effective for COVID-19 treatment. The agency has also warned that the drugs may have serious side effects, including cardiac arrhythmias, and that they should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

The announcement was met with mixed reactions from the medical community, with some experts expressing concerns about the lack of robust clinical trial data supporting the use of HCQ and CQ for COVID-19 treatment, while others welcomed the expanded treatment options.

Since then, there have been ongoing debates and discussions about the effectiveness and safety of HCQ and CQ for COVID-19 treatment, with some studies suggesting potential benefits and others raising concerns about adverse effects. The FDA has also issued guidance on the use of the drugs, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and caution.

In summary, the FDA's EUA for HCQ and CQ was granted on March 30, 2020, allowing healthcare providers to use the drugs to treat severe COVID-19 patients, but the agency has emphasized the need for careful use and monitoring due to the limited data and potential side effects.