India Lifts Ban of Hydroxychloroquine Exports

The Indian government said Tuesday that it will lift its newly imposed export restriction on the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, a potential COVID-19 treatment.

President Trump urged India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend to ease export regulations for the drug. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it will now allow distribution of hydroxychloroquine for countries that have been greatly affected by the pandemic.

Physicians are now allowed to prescribe the drug to COVID-19 patients under an emergency use authorization from the FDA, but at least 20 states have imposed restrictions and there are serious concerns about possible adverse reactions.

India plans to “license paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all our neighboring countries who are dependent on our capabilities," a ministry spokesperson said, adding that it will begin exporting the two drugs to nations that previously placed orders for them after it meets its own domestic requirements.

Hydroxychloroquine’s potential as a COVID-19 treatment is divisive, with some criticizing President Trump’s pushing of the drug, which has not been proven to be safe or effective.

Early data from a small clinical trial in China suggested that the drug may be effective. The study found that most patients taking the drug experienced significantly shorter recovery times for fever and cough (DID, April 3). — James Miessler