There is growing interest in a drug usually prescribed for malaria or lupus, hydroxychloroquine, as a potential treatment for the COVID-19/novel coronavirus now circling the globe. In recent weeks doctors in Kansas City have reported positive results with hydroxychloroquine in conjunction with azithromycin (often called Z-Pak). These promising findings come on the heels of several Chinese studies showing that hydroxychloroquine appears to be effective against COVID-19, and build on previous research showing that chloroquine, a drug in the same family, was successful against SARS, a coronavirus like COVID-19.
Steve Forbes, one of the first advocates of further study and emergency use of hydroxychloroquine when necessary, is once again touting the potential of the drug in his “What’s Ahead” podcast. Forbes also delivers some potentially positive news in the areas of testing, with an advance by Abbott, and vaccines, featuring J&J with a promised vaccine by early next year. On the economic front, look for more stimulus but also more trouble in the energy industry. Also: political gossip from NY about you know who! Hear Forbes’ complete roundup here.
