Malaria drugs are not included anymore in the list of COVID-19 drug candidates as the Food and Drug Administration withdrew the emergency authorization of two malaria drugs that are touted by the United States President Donald Trump.
In the latest report, the two malaria drugs: hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, are "unlikely to be effective." These two drugs have been promoted by the current U.S. President, Trump. The previous report said he took hydroxychloroquine after being exposed to two people who had tested positive for the coronavirus.
FDA said they had reviewed some data, and eventually, determined that the drugs, particularly hydroxychloroquine, did not demonstrate benefits that "outweigh the known and potential risks."
"Additionally, in light of ongoing serious cardiac adverse events and other serious side effects, the known and potential benefits of CQ and HCQ no longer outweigh the known and potential risks for the authorized use," the agency said.
The Malaria Drugs Were Authorized in March
In March, the agency authorized the drugs for use in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The decision came after Trump said they could be effective against the virus.
Earlier this year, the agency had issued warnings that the drugs could cause alarming heart arrhythmias.
