Researchers have begun trials of drugs that could prevent vulnerable groups developing severe coronavirus symptoms.
The Oxford University team plans to test pre-existing drugs on patients once they show the first signs of the disease.
They will look to see if any can reduce the need for hospitalisation or speed up recovery.
The project is one of a tranche announced by the government.
In the first phase of the Oxford trial, GPs will test the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to see if it is effective. Another drug being considered is the antibiotic, azithromycin.
Other promising drugs will be put to an expert advisory panel led by the government’s chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance for approval for inclusion in the trial.
According to the trial leader, Prof Christopher Butler of Oxford University, one of the main criteria for potential drugs is that they should already be widely available so that they can be used by doctors straight away.
“As soon as we find that anyone of our drugs is making an important difference, we want it to be part of clinical practice as soon as we can introduce it, within weeks if possible,” he said.
