Hydroxychloroquine has been on the radar of many health care professionals around the world as possible treatment for COVID-19.
A provincial trial known as Alberta Hope will test the effectiveness of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in preventing hospitalization for those at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
A large scale study has been launched and 1,600 Albertans will be prescribed a five-day treatment of the drug. The anti-malaria drug is currently being used for immunological disorders and laboratory studies show it may be useful combating the virus.
Dr. Luanne Metz, study lead, and professor at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary explained in a news release Monday they will be targeting Albertans who are at risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19. This includes people over the age of 18 who are living independently. Those selected will have an underlying medical condition that is proven to worsen COVID-19 symptoms and potentially lead to hospitalization.
Alberta Hope is a collaboration between researchers and health professionals at the University of Calgary, University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services. The study has been approved by Health Canada and by the Research Ethics Board.
"Clinical trials like this will give healthcare professionals more evidence to determine how best to care for patients," said Dr. Kathryn Todd, vice-president of provincial clinical excellence, Alberta Health Services.
"Alberta Health Services is rallying alongside its academic partners at the Universities of Calgary and Alberta to help leverage research in the response to this global pandemic."
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