US testing two generic drugs as possible coronavirus treatments

[mystery-ak]

US testing two generic drugs as possible coronavirus treatments
By John Bowden - 03/19/20 10:07 AM EDT

U.S. researchers are looking at two generic prescription drugs to determine whether they could be effective in treating or preventing coronavirus.

Reuters reported that scientists at the University of Minnesota are testing two drugs: the malaria treatment drug hydroxychloroquine and blood pressure drug losartan, to see whether either drug is effective in blocking the virus's reproductive processes.

“We are trying to leverage the science to see if we can do something in addition to minimizing contacts,” Dr. Jakub Tolar, dean of the University of Minnesota's medical school, told Reuters. “Results are likely in weeks, not months.”

more
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/488410-us-testing-two-generic-drugs-as-possible-coronavirus

[mystery-ak]

‘100% of patients’: Cautious optimism when readily used drug shows promising results with coronavirus
March 19, 2020 | Frieda Powers

Early laboratory research is reportedly showing that an old malaria drug might be useful in combating the new coronavirus.

A decades-old malaria drug called chloroquine, or hydroxychloroquine, has been targeted as a possible cure or treament for the viral illness which has claimed the lives of over 9,000 people worldwide, according to the latest numbers from Johns Hopkins University.

more
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2020/03/19/100-of-patients-cautious-optimism-when-readily-used-drug-shows-promising-results-with-coronavirus-898988

[Jazzhead]

This could be pivotal if it works.   It would allow us to strike a better balance sooner between health danger and economic ruin.   

[mystery-ak]

Bayer preps U.S. donation of malaria med chloroquine to help in COVID-19 fight: report
https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/bayer-preps-u-s-donation-malaria-med-chloroquine-to-help-covid-19-fight-report

[mystery-ak]

Trump talking about this now

[roamer_1]

Can somebody link the press conference when it's done?

[mystery-ak]

ongoing

https://video.foxnews.com/v/6142852533001#sp=show-clips



Error 404 (Not Found)!!1

[Jazzhead]

 I think this can be very important. 

[Mesaclone]

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/chloroquine-malaria-drug-treat-coronavirus-doctors/story?id=69664561

This drug seems to be proving VERY effective in clinical trials and the President is pushing this drug out there...just talked about it today in his daily briefing...slashing the normal protocols that slow implementation. Watched a Stanford Professor last night singing the praises of this drugs effectiveness against COVID 19...and keep in mind...we don't necessarily need a cure at this point, just a life-saving treatment. This MAY be it. The good news is that this drug is in production already as a treatment for malaria and has been used for SARS as well...so ramping up production seems achievable though it will take SOME time.

We need a little optimism at this point...and I think this is a crack of daylight in a dark week.

[mystery-ak]

merging

[PeteS in CA]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chloroquine

Chloroquine is a medication used to prevent and to treat malaria in areas where malaria is known to be sensitive to its effects. Certain types of malaria, resistant strains, and complicated cases typically require different or additional medication. Occasionally it is used for amebiasis that is occurring outside the intestines, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus erythematosus. It is taken by mouth. It is also being used experimentally in COVID-19 as of 2020.

Common side effects include muscle problems, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and skin rash. Serious side effects include problems with vision, muscle damage, seizures, and low blood cell levels. It appears to be safe for use during pregnancy. Chloroquine is a member of the drug class 4-aminoquinoline. It works against the asexual form of malaria inside the red blood cell.

Chloroquine was discovered in 1934 by Hans Andersag. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about US$0.04. In the United States, it costs about US$5.30 per dose.

Looks like it's been in use long and widely enough that resistant strains of malaria have developed. But it's also been in use long enough that it's safety and side-effects are also well known.

Stepping back and looking at the big picture, there are several existing drugs (= known safe) with strong likelihood of being effective treatments. That will speed up testing, and there will be multiple eggs in the possibilities basket.

[mystery-ak]

Mike[hubby] had to take Chloroquine for 30 days after he returned from a mission in S.America years ago....it's been around a long time.

[jmyrlefuller]

I'm glad the President has picked up on this. Hopefully this puts some pressure on the FDA to look at the existing studies and fast-track it for off-label use at least.