The World Health Organization has pulled malaria drug hydroxychloroquine from its global study assessing possible treatments for COVID-19, according to a June 17 CNBC report.
The drug, which garnered national attention in March when it was touted by President Donald Trump, has been a subject of scrutiny as conflicting studies emerge on its efficacy in treating COVID-19. Small studies suggesting the drug could be a helpful treatment for the disease have been outweighed by larger studies revealing evidence that the drug was not effective and caused heart problems in some COVID-19 patients.
WHO's announcement comes two days after the FDA rescinded its emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, citing the same reasons as WHO.