Province launches study into effects of HCQ for COVID-19

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – Alberta Health has announced a province-wide trial to look at whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) can help in the battle against COVID-19.

The Alberta Hope COVID-19 study will recruit 1,600 people to determine whether a prescribed five-day treatment of HCQ can prevent hospitalization for those at highest risk of severe symptoms from the novel coronavirus.

“Our goal is to reduce the risk of severe disease experienced by individuals and reduce the burden on the health-care system by helping people recover from the effects of the virus at home,” said Health Minister Tyler Shandro.

The study will be led by researchers from the University of Calgary and University of Alberta with support from the government and other health agencies including Calgary Health Trust and Alberta Innovates.

HCQ was originally an anti-malarial drug and is most commonly used today for immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Laboratory studies have suggested the drug may be helpful in treating COVID-19 symptoms.

“We will be targeting Albertans who are at risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19,” said Dr. Luanne Metz with the University of Calgary.

“Those include people over 18, living independently, who have an underlying medical condition which has proven to contribute to the worsening of symptoms, and eventual hospitalization.”

Debate over hydroxychloroquine’s efficiency has raged on in the United States with President Donald Trump endorsing it.

The country’s top doctor, however, says there’s not enough evidence to support claims it successfully treats COVID-19.