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On March 19, 2020, Former US President Donald Trump presented chloroquine, a medication on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, and hydroxychloroquine, its derivative, as possible treatment options for the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Positive results from preliminary studies indicated that hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug, had the potential to improve disease outcomes and possibly slow COVID-19’s progression. However, officials stated that additional data were needed before the drug could be approved as an effective treatment for the disease.

Since the time of this announcement, the spotlight has been thrown on hydroxychloroquine. What’s so special about this medicine? How does it affect SARS-CoV-2? And what other medications are candidates for treating this new virus?