Expanding horizons for clinical applications of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and related structural analogues

Ashutosh M Shukla MD, Aparna Wagle Shukla MD

Abstract

Several experimental and clinical studies have transformed the traditional antimalarial role of chloroquine (CHQ) and related structural analogues to potent therapeutic agents for a host of nonmalarial indications. The expanding clinical applicability for these drugs includes rheumatological and cardiovascular disorders (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), oncology, and a variety of nonmalarial infections. These clinical advancements are primarily related to pleiotropic pharmacological actions of these drugs, including immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory properties, and capabilities of inducing autophagy and apoptosis at a cellular level. Historically, many clinical benefits in nonmalarial indications were first recognized through serendipitous observations; however, with numerous ongoing systematic clinical studies, the clinical horizons of these drugs have a promising future.

Article Details

Article Type

Review

DOI

10.7573/dic.2019-9-1

Publication Dates

Accepted: ; Published: .

Citation

Shukla AM, Wagle Shukla A. Expanding horizons for clinical applications of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and related structural analogues. Drugs in Context 2019; 8: 2019-9-1. DOI: 10.7573/dic.2019-9-1

Register for alerts

I would like to be contacted by Drugs in Context when new articles are posted.