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Trump threatens India for banning export of anti-malaria drug, the probable 'game-changer' in combating COVID-19

Trump threatens India for banning export of anti-malaria drug, the probable 'game-changer' in combating COVID-19
Hydroxychloroquine has been highly touted as a potential treatment and prevention measure against COVID-19. © Shutterstock

Last month, India imposed a ban on export on Hydroxychloroquine, in a bid to take stock of the domestic requirements. Despite very scant evidence, the anti-malaria drug is touted as a possible treatment for COVID-19.

Written by Longjam Dineshwori |Updated : April 7, 2020 12:50 PM IST

US President Donald Trump has threatened India of possible retaliation if India does not allow the export of anti-malaria drug Hydroxychloroquine to the United States despite a request. He believes that this malaria drug could be a "game-changer" in the fight against Covid-19.

Last week Trump had sought help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow the sale of Hydroxychloroquine tablets to the US to treat the increasing number of COVID-19 patients in his country.

During a press briefing at the White House on Monday, Trump said that he would be surprised if India did not allow the export of Hydroxychloroquine tablets to the United States.

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"So, I would be surprised if that were his decision. He'd have to tell me that. I spoke to him Sunday morning, called him, and I said we'd appreciate your allowing our supply to come out. If he doesn't allow it to come out, that would be okay, but of course, there may be retaliation. Why wouldn't there be?" Trump said.

"I would be surprised if he would, you know, because India does very well with the United States," Trump added.

Last month, India imposed a ban on export on Hydroxychloroquine in a bid to take stock of the domestic requirements. Hydroxychloroquine tablet is a drug used to prevent and treat malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, among other ailments.

Malaria drugs seen as potential cure for Covid-19

Researchers across the globe are testing the efficacy of malaria drugs in helping treat patients infected with coronavirus or COVID-19. Trials of malaria pills - chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are underway in many countries, including China, France and the United States. Even though there is still no strong evidence to show that they are effective, the drugs are being used in some coronavirus cases.

Last month, the Indian government decided to ban export of hydroxychloroquine and formulations made from the medication. This is apparently done to avoid shortage of this potential coronavirus drug in the country. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has already reported shortage of hydroxychloroquine.

According to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India, currently there is no shortage of the drug in the country. But they warned that companies are facing acute shortages of staff to run operations after the lockdown. India imposed a 21-day lockdown in a bid to contain the spread of the disease.

India is the world's largest supplier of generic drugs. Following the coronavirus outbreak, the country stopped export of ventilators, sanitizers and personal protection equipment such as masks and clothing. It also restricted the export of 26 pharmaceutical ingredients and the medicines made from them, including Paracetamol last month.

Do they really work?

There are currently no approved treatments, or preventive vaccines for COVID-19. Even most severely ill patients largely receive only supportive care such as breathing assistance. Meanwhile, researchers are studying existing treatments used to treat some viral infections can also fight COVID-19. Some U.S. clinicians have started using hydroxychloroquine at different doses to treat coronavirus patients.

Chloroquine is a synthetic form of quinine found on the bark of the cinchona plant. It has been used since ancient times to treat fever. Hydroxychloroquine is a less toxic version. Currently, both the drugs are used to combat malaria. Research also indicate that chloroquine could be used against some viral infections.

However, most of the trails are in the preliminary stage and it is not clear yet if these drugs are effective against COVID-19.

A trial conducted in France showed that 25% of patients given hydroxychloroquine still carried the coronavirus after six days. But trail results from Chinese researchers showed that chloroquine treatment of COVID-19 patients had clinical and virologic benefit.

The University of Minnesota has also launched a 1,500-person trial to see whether hydroxychloroquine can prevent or reduce the severity of COVID-19. Trials of the malaria drugs are also underway in the United Kingdom, Norway and Thailand.

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