Hydroxychloroquine COVID trial fizzles: only 17 patients enrolled
NCT ID NCT04345692
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether hydroxychloroquine (a malaria drug) could help hospitalized COVID-19 patients recover faster. It planned to enroll 350 people but was stopped early with just 17 participants. Because it ended so early, we cannot say whether the drug works or is safe for this use.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
What this could lead to
If it had worked, this could have pointed toward a cheap, widely available treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 17 participants, far short of the planned 350. Results are too limited to draw any conclusions, and earlier studies showed mixed or no benefit.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COVID-19 are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Queen's Medical Center
Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, United States