Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the prophylaxis and therapy of COVID-19 infection

At the end of last century a prominent biochemist once opened the discussion of a controversial issue in the field of Bioenergetics with the following statement: “This is a long story, that shouldn’t be long, but it will take a long time to make it short”. As it happens, such a statement would apply...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2021-01, Vol.538, p.156-162
Main Author: Carafoli, Ernesto
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chloroquine - chemistry
Chloroquine - pharmacology
Chloroquine - therapeutic use
COVID-19 - prevention & control
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Humans
Hydroxychloroquine - chemistry
Hydroxychloroquine - pharmacology
Hydroxychloroquine - therapeutic use
Primary Prevention
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Summary:At the end of last century a prominent biochemist once opened the discussion of a controversial issue in the field of Bioenergetics with the following statement: “This is a long story, that shouldn’t be long, but it will take a long time to make it short”. As it happens, such a statement would apply perfectly well to the story of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the COVID-19 infection: it has become a veritable saga, with conflicting views that have often gone beyond the normal scientific dialectic, and with conclusions that have frequently been polluted by non scientific opinions: thus, for instance, when National Agencies have taken positions against CQ and HCQ, the move has been seen as a pro-vaccine attempt to block low cost therapy means. And it is difficult to avoid the feeling that the opposition to CQ and HCQ has in large measure been shaped not by scientific arguments, but by the fact that their use has been strongly endorsed by National leaders whose popularity among Western intellectuals is extremely low. The role of the two drugs in the COVID-19 infection thus deserves an objective analysis solely based on scientific facts. This contribution will attempt to produce it.
ISSN:0006-291X
1090-2104
DOI:10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.128