A single dose of in situ gel formulation of antimalarial drug chloroquine phosphate as a sustained prophylactic candidate for COVID-19

Abstract

In the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, a prophylactic drug is strongly needed to stop the spread of this disease. Chloroquine (CQ) has been proposed as a prophylactic for individuals who are likely to be exposed to the virus. This study aimed to study the ability of CQ to act as a prophylactic treatment for susceptible people. The pharmacokinetic profiles of in situ gel and free CQ phosphate were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of both formulations were examined on both liver and kidney functions. CQ levels were sustained in the plasma of both free and in situ gel-treated groups. Thus, our study shows that the in situ gel of CQ provides sustained release of CQ that is given only as a single dose. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with liver or kidney dysfunction.