MUHC researchers to broaden hydroxychloroquine trial for COVID-19

Researchers at the Mcgill University Health Centre have broadened a clinical trial to assess whether the drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) — a Health Canada-approved drug used to treat malaria and some autoimmune conditions like lupus — can prevent people from contracting COVID-19 after exposure to the novel coronavirus and decrease complications and deaths related to the disease.

The trial, which is taking place in Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and the United States, has thus far locally only included health-care professionals exposed to the virus. While “observational studies have suggested that HCQ might have some action against COVID -19,” evidence is needed to confirm potential treatment options, the researchers note.

This study will compare HCQ with a placebo to determine if it is effective in preventing the onset or progression of COVID -19 disease.

The treatment arm of the trial will be broadened to include participants who have received a confirmed diagnosis of COVID -19, their symptoms beginning in the last three to four days and who are self-isolating at home. Other participants are eligible for the prevention arm of the trial if they live with a person with COVID-19 or have undergone a high-risk exposure to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past three to four days and do not yet have symptoms.

Eligible adults can enrol through a self-referral process online after answering a series of questions. The participants won’t receive visits from researchers because of the contagious nature of the disease. Instead, the drug or placebo will be shipped to them the day after they are determined eligible and are enrolled in the trial. They will then take the drug or the placebo for five days and complete at least one additional online survey.

People who meet these criteria and wish to enrol in the clinical trial should visit covid-19research. ca to access the online screening questionnaire to determine their eligibility.