Hydroxychloroquine is approved for the prevention and treatment of malaria caused by mosquitos. It is also used to treat certain auto-immune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine belongs to a class of medications called Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). It can also reduce skin problems in lupus and prevent swelling or pain in arthritis.

Did you know?

  • India is the biggest manufacturer (70%) and exporter of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). 
  • India has a production capacity of 40 tonnes of HCQ every single month, implying 20 crores of 200 mg tablets. 
  • However, India gets the HCQ API (around 70%) from China. 
  • The major formulation makers of HCQ are Ipca, Zydus, Wallace & Cipla.
  • HCQS is the biggest Hydroxychloroquine brand sold by IPCA having a brand value of 122 Crores (18% growth). IPCA also sells Chloroquine under the brand name “LARIAGO” having a brand value of around 47 Cr (11% growth).
  • The drug is not manufactured in developed nations such as the US because of non-existent malaria.
  • India decided to lift the export ban and supply HCQ to needy countries depending on the availability of stock after meeting domestic requirements.
HCQS Tablet

HCQ in COVID-19?

  • HCQ is widely being speculated as a treatment for COVID-19, despite weak clinical evidence. 
  • On March 28th, 2020, FDA has issued an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) to facilitate the availability of chloroquinephosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate during the COVID-19 pandemic to treat patients for whom a clinical trial is not available, or participation is not feasible.
  • Remember that, ICMR recommends prophylactic use of HCQ only for healthcare workers, and persons caring for COVID-19 patients in households.
  • Each COVID-19 patient would reportedly require a 14 tablet course.
Hydrochloroquine Chemical Composition

Relevant Links for more information:

Business Links:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/anitabartholomew/2020/04/08/hydroxychloroquine-for-covid-19-cure-all-or-flim-flam/#594f1d2b675b

https://www.businessinsider.in/science/news/why-experts-are-skeptical-of-studies-that-seemed-to-show-promising-results-from-using-a-decades-old-malaria-drug-to-treat-the-coronavirus/articleshow/75049509.cms

https://www.sanofi.com/en/about-us/our-stories/5-questions-about-hydroxychloroquine-and-covid-19

Medical Links:

https://www.fda.gov/media/136534/download

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/therapeutic-options.html

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04328272

https://epidemio.wiv-isp.be/ID/Documents/Covid19/COVID-19_InterimGuidelines_Treatment_ENG.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924857920300996

Beware: Do not take Hydroxychloroquine tablets without proper prescription and medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner.