The Healthcare Worker Exposure Response and Outcomes of Hydroxychloroquine Trial (HERO-HCQ) continues to enroll healthcare workers to help generate needed evidence on the pre-exposure prophylaxis use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).
While scientific evidence does not support use of HCQ for the treatment of COVID-19 infection; the jury is still out on its role in prevention.
The HERO-HCQ trial has an independent group called the Data Safety and Monitory Board (DSMB) that meet on a regular basis to review study progress, results from other trials on HCQ, study recruitment, outcomes, and safety data. The DSMB met last week to review outcomes and safety data from the first 1,000 participants. Based on their review the DSMB recommends enrollment in HERO-HCQ continue as planned.
As with other HCQ prevention trials, HERO-HCQ enrollment has been hindered by commentary from politicians, the media, as well as retracted publications. With all the information out there, it is easy for people to become confused about HCQ. Our message in HERO-HCQ remains the same: HCQ is safe, generally well tolerated, and the question we are asking, is HCQ effective in preventing COVID-19, remains important.