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President Trump: FDA will fast track anti-viral treatments for coronavirus patients

Two drugs are giving hope in treating the coronavirus.

WASHINGTON — Right now, there is no vaccine for the coronavirus. But there is hope.

On Thursday, President Trump announced that the FDA will be fast-tracking anti-viral treatments for coronavirus. 

In particular, Trump mentioned that Hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug will soon be available to help treat COVID-19.

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Hydroxychloroquine is not the only drug being considered to help treat the virus, according to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation there is another drug that is showing some promise. It is called Chloroquine Phosphate, which was developed to fight malaria. It is also successful in treating lupus. Chloroquine Phosphate was also tested in a clinical trial in China to treat pneumonia associated with COVID-19 and early results showed that the drug had some success as a form of therapy.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said officials want a formal study to get good information on safety and effectiveness. 

"We're looking at drugs that are already approved for other indications" as a potential bridge or stopgap until studies are completed on other drugs under investigation, Hahn said.

According to medical experts, repurposing existing medications is sometimes the quickest way to treat patients infected by the virus.  And there are wider studies being done on this topic.

But for the meantime, while these drugs are being tested and as the wait for treatment continues, medical professionals encourage people experiencing mild symptoms to drink lots of water and use pain relievers as needed.

If you or a loved one develops severe symptoms, contact your doctor.

Click here for our special coronavirus section.

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