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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
Locations
-
Queen's Medical Center
Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, United States
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