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US FDA Allows Outsourcers To Compound Hydroxychloroquine As COVID-19 Drives Demand

Pharmacies Say More Additions Needed

 
• By Joanne S. Eglovitch

The US FDA has added hydroxychloroquine sulfate to the list of drugs outsourcing facilities can compound as pharmacy group calls for more such approvals with COVID-19 driving demand for additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Side view of titration in a compounding pharmacy
FDA Lets Outsourcers Bulk-Compound Malaria Drug That May Help Against COVID-19 • Source: Shutterstock

The US Food and Drug Administration has unleashed a potentially prolific source of hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, under investigation for efficacy against the COVID-19 coronavirus, by adding the approved malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis treatment on 25 March to the list of drugs that outsourcing facilities regulated under Section 503B of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act are allowed to compound from bulk ingredients.

In the meantime, the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounders urged the FDA to place more prescription and over-the-counter drugs on the list of drugs that can be

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