The UK has approved the resumption of a trial for the drug Hydroxychloroquine in its treating of the coronavirus. There has been a concerted effort against the drug’s use for battling Covid19 since President Trump cited the drug as showing signs of promise in treating the virus earlier this year.
The UK trial, labeled COPCOV, was halted after another study in the UK found the drugs to be ineffective in treating Covid. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now allowed the research to resume however, after COPCOV showed positive trial results.
The study is expected to last three months. No mention is made of whether it will include the Zinc. Most physicians who advocate for Hydroxychloroquine in treating Covid19 recommend using it in combination with the vitamin Zinc, which acts to prevent the virus’ cells from reproducing.
The study is funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which may explain the lack of transparency on details of the study.
The U.S. FDA revoked emergency use authorization for Hydroxychloroquine earlier this month. The emergency use authorization effected only hospitalized Covid19 patients and drugs donated to the Strategic National Stockpile – it did not prevent doctors from prescribing the drug for off-label use.