WASHINGTON U.S. regulators on Monday revoked emergency authorization for malaria drugs promoted by President Donald Trump for treating COVID-19 amid growing evidence they dont work and could cause deadly side effects.
The Food and Drug Administration said the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating the coronavirus.
The move means that shipments of the drugs obtained by the federal government will no longer be distributed to state and local health authorities for use against the coronavirus.
The actions by FDA and NIH send a clear signal to health professionals against prescribing the drugs for coronavirus.
No large, rigorous studies have found the drugs safe or effective for preventing or treating COVID-19.