MHRA Suspends Enrollment to COVID-19 Hydroxychloroquine Trials

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has suspended recruitment for clinical trials of hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for COVID-19 patients.

The agency cited disappointing results from two clinical trials, which showed no benefit in hospitalized COVID-19 patients given the antimalarial drug.

Patients taking hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to treat other health conditions can continue to do so “as the balance of benefits and risks remains favorable in the licensed uses,” the MHRA said.