News | Latest Breaking News Stories & Headlines

The World Health Organization had paused Covid-19 trials of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine but it is now resuming them

Article on risks taking antimalarial drug is retracted

An article in The Lancet medical journal that found antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine increased the risk of death in Covid-19 patients has been retracted, adding to controversy around a drug championed by US President Donald Trump.

Coronavirus • 05 Jun 20

US president Donald Trump is among those to have promoted hydroxychloroquine as a possible treatment

Hydroxychloroquine safe but not effective - study

Just hours after the WHO announced that clinical trials of hydroxychloroquine will resume, the first major study into the drug's effectiveness reported that it was no better than a placebo in preventing symptoms of Covid-19 developing.

US • 03 Jun 20

Hydroxychloroquine was tested as a treatment for Covid-19

Hydroxychloroquine: a drug dividing the world

Banned in some countries, promoted in others - the drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for the new coronavirus is dividing opinion worldwide.

World • 01 Jun 20

The WHO said that outbreaks were accelerating in countries such as Brazil

Americas new epicentre of coronavirus pandemic - WHO

The World Health Organization considers the Americas the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, and now is not the time for countries to ease restrictions, officials have said.

Coronavirus • 26 May 20

A pharmacy tech holds pills of hydroxychloroquine

WHO temporarily suspends hydroxychloriquine trials

The World Health Organization has temporarily suspended clinical trials of hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for Covid-19 being carried out across a range of countries as a precautionary measure.

Coronavirus • 26 May 20

Authors of a study said they found the two medicines had no effect on the outcome of patients hospitalised with Covid-19

Study finds malaria drug shows no coronavirus benefit

A study of nearly 100,000 coronavirus patients has shown no benefit in treating them with anti-viral drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine and even increased the likelihood of them dying in hospital.

World • 22 May 20

Donald Trump said 'people are going to have to make up their own mind' about hydroxychloroquine

Trump defends use of malaria drug for Covid-19

US President Donald Trump has defended his use of a prescription malaria drug to try to ward off the coronavirus despite medical warnings, saying it was up to individuals to make their own decisions.

US • 19 May 20

Drug is used to treat chronic auto-immune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and malaria

Experts warn against taking hydroxychloroquine

A doctor has warned that patients with auto-immune diseases will be negatively impacted by a global stockpiling of hydroxychloroquine, after US President Donald Trump said he is taking it as a preventative measure against Covid-19.

Coronavirus • 19 May 20

Novartis is running a 440-person trial of its generic drug hydroxychloroquine in Covid-19 patients

Novartis sales, profits rise on Covid-19 buying rush

Novartis saw its first-quarter sales climb as hospitals and patients stocked up on drugs to avoid being left short during the coronavirus crisis, lifting profits for the Swiss drugmaker.

Business • 28 Apr 20

Hydroxychloroquine