Today, the FDA removed the Emergency Use Authorization supporting the use of hydroxychloroquine treatment or prophylaxis for COVID-19 infection. None of the multiple clinical studies involving the drug has shown any efficacy in treating or preventing COVID-19. While cardiac toxicity was a concern, no study suggested that was the defining issue. The most important thing appeared to be the lack of efficacy.
The timing of this announcement is a bit surprising since it comes soon after one of the major studies calling hydroxychloroquine into question was withdrawn from the Journal Lancet. In addition, several studies of the drug that were stopped by the WHO were restarted after the withdrawal of the Lancet article. Despite this, there was no real evidence that the drug worked and therefore should be allowed to continue to be approved for COVID-19.
There was more political squabbling surrounding this drug than scientific discourse. The initial data was tenuous at best, and most physicians were never convinced of its value. It is better to move on and find something that truly will help people.
Pandemic Pondering 
French study was garbage and claimed an antiviral effect, not anti-inflammatory. Also, dose required for anti-inflammation is too high to achieve in humans. Trials will continue; just not the open label use of the drug.
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