A 2020 scientific paper that popularized hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 treatment has been retracted from its journal due to ethical and methodological concerns. The paper, published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, claimed that treatments with hydroxychloroquine reduced virus levels in COVID patients and was more effective when used alongside an antibiotic.
The paper’s retraction is rare and can have significant consequences for researchers involved. In 2020, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine, but revoked it three months later after more robust studies failed to find a benefit that outweighed potential risks.
Major public health and medical organizations no longer recommend hydroxychloroquine as a COVID treatment due to its potential side effects. Larger studies have shown no benefits of the drug for COVID-19 treatment and some risks, including heart rhythm problems.
The controversy surrounding hydroxychloroquine highlights the importance of scientific scrutiny and rigorous testing in medicine. Despite widespread promotion by media outlets, politicians, and social media, the paper’s claims were ultimately found to be unfounded.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/journal-pulls-scientific-paper-popularized-hydroxychloroquine-covid-treatment/story?id=116910465