Malaria drug combo shows promise against COVID-19 in early trial

NCT ID NCT04339426

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: HonorHealth Research Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether a combination of atovaquone (an anti-malarial) and azithromycin (an antibiotic) can clear the COVID-19 virus in infected adults. The study enrolls people at high risk for complications, such as those with moderate to severe illness. Participants receive the drugs for up to 10 days, and researchers measure how many achieve an undetectable viral load.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: atovaquone and azithromycin
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option to clear COVID-19 infection in high-risk patients.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 3 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drugs can cause gastrointestinal side effects and heart rhythm changes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COVID19 are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

COVID-19

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COVID19

Contacts and locations

Locations

HonorHealth

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85258, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.