Chloroquine Demand Prompts Shortage Fears

A coalition of more than 50 rheumatology and lupus organizations urged all 50 governors in a letter to ensure patient access to chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, which are used to treat lupus and arthritis, as well as malaria and now COVID-19.

The coalition urged that the supply of hydroxychloroquine allocated for COVID-19 patients should be prioritized for clinical trials. They also called on the governors to prevent unreasonable price increases and to consider limiting refills to 30 days for patients who were prescribed the drug prior to the pandemic.

In a related move, the European Medicines Agency yesterday announced that it is restricting chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine use to clinical trials or emergency use programs, rather than making it available to any COVID-19 patient who wants it. EMA also said that it will continue to make the drugs available to patients who had previously been taking them.

Also yesterday, the FDA announced that manufacturers are reporting shortages of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine because of a significant surge in demand. The agency had previously said that supplies donated to the national stockpile will help ease the pressure.

Read the coalition’s letter here: www.fdanews.com/04-01-20-StatelevelHCQsignon.pdf. — Jordan Williams