1. Hydroxy-chloroquine is an oral drug used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune diseases are in which the body s immune system attacks healthy cells.
2. The popular anti-parasitic medication has been available since the 1940s. It s been used to treat malaria.
3. HCQ is a derivative of chloroquine, and has fewer side-effects.
4. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.
5. Chloroquine works by increasing the levels of haem or heme, a substance toxic to the malarial parasite in the blood. This kills the parasite and stops the infection from spreading.