Covid 19: Hydroxychloroquine for the Early Treatment of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Adults: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial (PETAL Network Study)

Effective therapies for COVID-19 are urgently needed. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimicrobial agent with immunomodulatory and antiviral properties that has demonstrated in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Preliminary reports suggest potential efficacy in small human studies. Clinical trial data are needed to determine whether hydroxychloroquine is effective in treating COVID-19. Study Aim: To compare the effect of hydroxychloroquine versus placebo on clinical outcomes, measured using the COVID Ordinal Outcomes Scale at Day 15, among adults with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. Study Hypothesis: Among adults hospitalized with COVID-19, administration of hydroxychloroquine will improve clinical outcomes at Day 15.