In the pursuit of definitive evidence on treating COVID-19, the much anticipated RECOVERY trial is among one of a handful which investigate therapeutic suitability of HCQ.
As per design protocol, data undergoes regular, periodic review by independent analysts. Following one such review, a decision was made to unblind participants to the investigators on basis of demonstrable harm in HCQ treatment group.
HCQ was labelled unsafe, immediately halted. (Let's see how WHO reacts; for more on WHO, see below)
In response to this latest development, Dr. Martin Landray, Co-chair of the RECOVERY Trial, was interviewed on the decision to halt HCQ administration: http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/interview-exclusive-martin-landray-recovery-hydroxychloroquine-game-over-uk
First, the dose was dangerously high. So much so that it exceeds the recommended daily intake by 3-4 fold.
RECOVERY treatment group patient received a near-lethal loading dose of 2400mg, followed by 800mg QD (day2-10). Despite a return to conventional dosing at day 2, the 22 day half-life of HCQ could account for accumulation in toxic amounts.
Commenting on his rationale, Prof. Landray justifies the near-lethal dose by citing a similar regimen normally used to treat Amoebic Dysentery.
It has been speculated Landray erroneous HCQ with perhaps hydroxyquinolone. If true, this would be catastrophic for validity of the study and would likely be withdrawn.
Most regulatory bodies recommend maximum dose HCQ < 600mg / 24hrs (800mg / 24hrs).
But the RECOVERY trial used a massive 2.4 gram loading dose on day 1, then 800mg QD (day 2-10). (22 day half might be contributing to adverse effects). It appears Landray has just poisoned his treatment group.
And secondly, mortality rate in group receive standard care is disturbingly high (23%), suggesting patients were already very ill at time of study and thus beyond that critical therapeutic window during which HCQ is purported to work.
Reception upon peer-review will likely reveal more answers.