Inhaled hydroxychloroquine sulfate

Inhaled hydroxychloroquine sulfate is an aerosolized formulation of the small molecule antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine sulfate, specifically developed for the treatment of COVID-19. Developed by Pulmoquine Therapeutics using technology originally licensed from Aradigm Corporation and APT Corporation, the drug was designed to be delivered via an oral inhalation system (such as the AERx handheld nebulizer) to achieve high local drug concentrations within the respiratory tract while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects like cardiotoxicity. Its proposed mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2 involves inhibiting viral entry and replication by interfering with endosomal acidification and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The drug reached Phase 1 clinical trials to evaluate safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers, but development was effectively halted following the dissolution of Pulmoquine Therapeutics in August 2021.

Other names

Aerosolized hydroxychloroquine sulfateOrally inhaled aerosolized hydroxychloroquine sulfateInhaled hydroxychloroquine