UF Health Researchers in Jacksonville Are Studying the Effects of Hydroxychloroquine

University of Florida Health researchers in Jacksonville are part of a national effort to determine if the drug hydroxychloroquine, or HCQ, can help prevent health care workers from contracting the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Nizar Maraqa, MD, an associate professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville who specializes in pediatric infectious diseases, is serving as principal investigator of the HCQ trial, which is part of the larger Healthcare Worker Exposure Response & Outcomes, or HERO, Registry. The effort seeks to help organizers better understand the challenges health care workers and related personnel face on the COVID-19 front lines.

“As the region’s premier academic health center, it is our duty to be at the forefront of efforts like the HERO Registry,” said Alexander Parker, Ph.D., senior associate dean for research at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville. “Times of crisis can create a great deal of fear and uncertainty. It is vital that UF Health continues to lead the way by providing answers to important questions of how to keep our health care workers and our community safe.”  

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