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Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre have broadened a clinical trial to assess whether the drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) can prevent people from contracting COVID-19 after exposure to the novel coronavirus and decrease complications and deaths related to the disease.

HCQ is a Health Canada-approved drug used to treat malaria and some autoimmune conditions like lupus.

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The trial, which is taking place in Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and the United States, has thus far locally only included health-care professionals exposed to the virus. While “observational studies have suggested that HCQ might have some action against COVID-19,” evidence is needed to confirm potential treatment options, the researchers note.

This study will compare HCQ with a placebo to determine if it is effective in preventing the onset or progression of COVID-19 disease.

The treatment arm of the trial will be broadened to include participants who have received a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, their symptoms beginning in the last three to four days and who are self-isolating at home. Other participants are eligible for the prevention arm of the trial if they live with a person with COVID-19 or have undergone a high-risk exposure to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past three to four days and do not yet have symptoms.