experimental treatments

President Donald Trump announced in May that he was taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventive measure against COVID-19. But a study published Wednesday finds no evidence the drug is protective in this way.

Science
Health & Safety

No Evidence Hydroxychloroquine Is Helpful In Preventing COVID-19, Study Finds

5:04pm June 03, 2020

by Joe Palca

A study of more than 800 health workers, first responders and others finds that taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 is no better than a placebo in preventing the illness.

Health care workers assist a COVID-19 patient in Spain. Some evidence from Europe and China suggests an overzealous immune response may be contributing to the severe illness in some patients.

Health & Safety

Why Some COVID-19 Patients Crash: The Body's Immune System Might Be To Blame

10:12pm April 07, 2020

by Geoff Brumfiel

An overblown immune response could be killing a portion of the sick, and some doctors think that new treatments being tested could help at least some of those patients.

Crowdfunding campaigns have raised millions of dollars for treatments of questionable efficacy, two studies published recently say.

Health & Safety

Crowdfunding Drives Funds And Attention Toward Questionable Medical Treatments

3:42pm January 02, 2019

by Rachel D. Cohen

Many Americans turn to crowdfunding to pay for medical care. But sometimes the money covers unproven treatments. Should crowdfunding companies be held accountable for spreading false hopes?