Why chloroquine isn’t necessarily a Covid-19 panacea

Pharmacologically speaking, chloroquine is ancient — the antimalarial drug was first discovered in 1934. Today, it’s taking a turn in the spotlight, thanks in large part to President Trump’s avowal that it could be the key to keeping the coronavirus at bay. But his point of reference is a French study of just 36 Covid-19 patients.

The drug, as well as hydroxychloroquine, are being tested across the globe for their efficacy in treating Covid-19. But medical experts are hesitant to quickly deploy these drugs without careful scrutiny.

Small studies that offer early promise often won’t pan out, STAT’s Matthew Herper writes. To be truly trustworthy, trials need to be randomized and controlled.