WHO Suspends Hydroxychloroquine Trial Over Safety Concerns

The WHO has temporarily paused testing of hydroxychloroquine in the Solidarity Trial due to safety concerns, following a study that indicated increased heart risks and mortality in COVID-19 patients using the drug. While the safety data is under review, other trial arms continue. President Trump has promoted hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 treatment, even claiming personal use. WHO plans to halt testing for a week or two to assess safety. Chloroquine is not part of the trial.

What is the role of the Data Safety Monitoring Board in the context of the hydroxychloroquine trial?

What did the large study find regarding the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients?

How did President Donald Trump promote hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19?

What was the reason for the WHO's decision to stop testing hydroxychloroquine?

What are the implications of the safety data being reviewed for the continuation of the trial?