U.S. states build stockpiles of malaria drug touted by Trump

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — State and local governments across the United States have obtained 30 million doses of a malaria drug touted by President Trump to treat patients with the new coronavirus, despite warnings from doctors that more research is needed.

At least 21 states and Washington, D.C. secured shipments of the drug, hydroxychloroquine, according to information compiled from state and federal officials by The Associated Press. Fifteen of those states were were won by Trump in 2016, although five of them including North Carolina and Louisiana are now led by Democratic governors.

Supporters say having a supply on hand makes sense in case the drug is shown to be effective against the pandemic that’s devastated the global economy and killed nearly 200,000 people worldwide, and to ensure a steady supply for people who need it for other conditions like lupus.

But health experts worry that having the drug easily available at a time of heightened public fear could make it easier to misuse it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday warned doctors against prescribing the drug, hydroxychloroquine, for treating the new coronavirus outside of hospitals or research settings, because of reports of serious side effects, including dangerous irregular heart rhythms, and death among patients.

It's the latest admonition against the drug that Trump mentioned 17 times in various public appearances, touting its potential despite his own health advisors telling him it is unproven.

Utah and Ohio have spent hundreds of thousands to purchase the drugs, and the rest of the cities and states have received free shipments from drug companies and the U.S. government in the last month. Ohio also received a large donation from a local company.

Several states including New York, Connecticut, Oregon, Louisiana, North Carolina and...