Use of hydroxychloroquine and interferon alpha-2b for the prophylaxis of COVID-19. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Alexander; Yang, Charlotte; Yang, Bing
• Is Part Of: Medical hypotheses. Volume 144(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109802
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-9877

Abstract

Abstract: The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 infection demands efforts to reduce spread. In order to eradicate an infectious disease, a method of prevention with low social cost is the most effective way. While we wait for new therapies and a vaccine, we are proposing a solution based on the existing knowledge in biomedical sciences. Here we propose to use low doses of hydroxychloroquine (50–100 mg daily orally) and intranasal interferon alpha-2b (IFN α-2b) spray (0.5 × 10 6 IU twice daily) for the prophylaxis of COVID-19. Although there are ongoing clinical trials to test the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis, there has not been any proposal to test the efficacy of IFN α-2b together with hydroxychloroquine to increase protection against COVID-19. Since the two act on two different mechanisms, we strongly believe that the two could have additive effects in prophylaxis against COVID-19. We recommend using a randomized control study to prove efficacy and safety.