Fresh developments, even as in a now all too familiar development, a politically incorrect video vanishes from YouTube. The Boris Johnson case shows just how contagious this virus is, as he joins a list of leading politicians and members of their families. We definitely need a good treatment and we need it fast.
In that light, let us see what is being picked up from Belgium:
Belgium’s Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) is reserving hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug, for patients who really need it in light of the new coronavirus (Covid-19).
The drug, marketed under the name Plaquenil, has entered clinical trials in France and the United States, and its results against Covid-19 are promising, according to Le Vif/L’Express on Tuesday. Belgium has also started clinical trials for experimental treatments against the coronavirus.
Bahrain (part of the Persian Gulf region where the virus has been running riot, just as in many other places) is more explicit:
The Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the first in the world to administer hydroxychloroquine to treat active Covid-19 cases, says the country’s Supreme Council of Health chairman Lieutenant-General Dr Shaikh Mohamed Abdullah Al Khalifa.
The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) quoted Dr Shaikh Mohamed, who is also the National Taskforce for Combating Covid-19 head, as revealing the information on Tuesday (March 24).
According to the news report, the drug is reported to have had a profound impact when used to treat the symptoms exhibited by active Covid-19 cases.
Bahrain first used the drug on Feb 26, following the registration of its first Covid-19 case on Feb 24.
Dr Shaikh Mohamed said the compound was administered in line with treatment regimens that have seen success in China and South Korea.
So, it has been in use in Bahrain for a month; with positive reports. Belgium is reserving it for priority treatment of Covid-19. Tests are in progress.
Ah, but there’s no evidence that it is better than snake oil. NOT. END