Calgary researchers begin trial to prove malaria drug could battle COVID

A group of Calgary researchers believe that a coronavirus treatment may be on the horizon. Scientists are gearing up for a large-scale trial to prove that hydroxychloroquine, a drug most commonly used to combat malaria, could have a similar effect on the Coronavirus.

To do these trials the department, led by a team from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, will actually require about 1,600 people. The idea is that by administering the drug early on, subjects can avoid hospitalization and severe long-term effects.

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Doctors will begin by informing Albertans who were recently diagnosed with the virus of their eligibility and will ask for their consent to be contacted by a researcher. Then, the team will initiate a conversation, during which, the patient can ask questions and decide whether or not they’re willing to go ahead with the trial.

There’s a bit of a catch though. In order to prove that it really works, they will have to administer placebos as well as hydroxychloroquine. Regardless of what people are given though, everyone will be monitored closely over the phone by a healthcare professional.

Like any experiment, it is a bit of a gamble, but we think it’s probably worth it. What do you guys think? Would you agree to be a test subject for something like this? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram!