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Last Updated: December 12, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR PLAQUENIL


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All Clinical Trials for PLAQUENIL

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00102557 ↗ Hydroxychloroquine vs. Clobetasol Rinse to Treat Oral Lichen Planus Completed National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Phase 2 2005-01-01 This study will compare two treatments for oral lichen planus - hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) tablets and clobetasol oral rinse. Oral lichen planus is a chronic disorder in which patients have painful mouth ulcers that interfere with meals and daily functioning. It is most commonly treated with topical or systemic corticosteroids, but these drugs have a number of side effects, most commonly yeast infection, and chronic systemic use of them can lead to diabetes, osteoporosis, weight gain, and other complications. Also, lichen planus generally returns when the corticosteroids are stopped. Clobetasol oral rinse is a topical steroid commonly used to treat oral lichen planus. Hydroxychloroquine, a drug that was originally used to treat malaria and is now also approved for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, has been tried for lichen planus in small-scale studies with some evidence of benefit. Patients 18 years of age and older with oral lichen planus may be eligible for this study. Pregnant women are excluded. Candidates are screened with a dermatology examination, routine blood tests, an eye examination, and a biopsy to rule out other conditions similar to lichen planus and to provide tissue for research purposes. For the biopsy, two small circles of tissue about 4 mm (less than 1/5") across are surgically removed from the area with lichen planus. Participants are randomly assigned to treatment with either hydroxychloroquine or clobetasol rinse. Patients assigned to hydroxychloroquine also take a placebo mouth rinse that looks and tastes like the clobetasol rinse, and those assigned to clobetasol also take a pill that looks and tastes like the hydroxychloroquine tablet. This is done so that neither the patients nor the study doctors know which patient is taking which active medication until the study is completed. Patients take the pills daily in the morning with food or a glass of milk for the 6-month study period and use the rinse twice a day for 4 months and then once a day for 2 months. They may not use any pain or anti-inflammatory medicines or topical creams, gels or rinses regularly, because these medications can obscure the effects of the study drugs and complicate interpretation of the results. They are given a topical numbing medicine as part of the study and can use Tylenol for pain during the study duration. In addition to treatment, participants visit the NIH Clinical Center once a month for the following tests and procedures: - Review of pain levels, as recorded in a pain diary - Review of drug side effects, if any - Collection of saliva and blood samples at 2, 4 and 6 months - Repeat oral biopsy at completion of the study at 6 months to evaluate treatment effects - Final examination at 8 months to determine if the disease returns or improves after the medication is stopped.
NCT00176982 ↗ Plaquenil for Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis Completed Hordinsky, Maria K., MD Phase 4 2002-04-01 Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition resulting in hair loss and complete baldness (alopecia totalis). Published evidence says that it is mediated by T-lymphocytes. Plaquenil is an anti-inflammatory drug approved by the FDA for malaria, lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has an effect on T-lymphocyte mediated inflammation, making it a logical choice for a treatment trail for alopecia areata.
NCT00405275 ↗ Rheumatoid Arthritis: Comparison of Active Therapies in Patients With Active Disease Despite Methotrexate Therapy Completed Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) N/A 2007-07-01 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints leading to joint destruction, with significant long-term morbidity and mortality. Early treatment of RA patients with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) significantly decreases these complications. Methotrexate (MTX) is an excellent, economical first-line DMARD used to treat a majority of RA patients. While most patients respond well to MTX, many continue to have active disease. Therefore, understanding how to best treat RA patients with active disease despite MTX therapy is critically important. Although a number of therapies with significantly different economic implications have been shown to be effective when added to MTX, no trial has directly compared active therapies. This study will compare therapeutic strategies using two regimens with proven efficacy when added to MTX therapy; a) hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine (cost ~ $1000 per year); b) the tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, etanercept (cost ~ $12,000 per year). We propose a bi-national multi-center randomized, double-blind equivalency trial comparing (A) the strategy of initially adding hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine to MTX in patients with active disease despite MTX, with a switch at 24 weeks to etanercept in nonresponders to (B) a strategy of adding etanercept to MTX, with a switch to hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine in nonresponders at 24 weeks. If we find that the strategy of first adding hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine to MTX identifies a subset of responsive patients and that there is no harm to nonresponders because of early rescue with etanercept, then this less expensive option should become the standard treatment for MTX resistant patients. Four hundred and fifty RA patients with active disease despite treatment with MTX as indicated by a Disease Activity Score with 28 joints (DAS28) of >4.4 units will be randomized. A DAS improvement of 1.2 at 24 weeks will remain on their initial therapy. The primary endpoint is the change of DAS 28 scores from baseline to 48 weeks. The secondary endpoint is comparison of radiographic progression of disease at 48 weeks, as measured by the change in Sharp score. Economic and functional outcomes will be assessed and a serum and DNA bank will be established to evaluate potential biomarkers predictive of treatment response/toxicity and disease progression. This trial will recruit 450 subjects over 40 months. At the end of the 48 week blinded active therapy portion of the trial, the blind will be broken and data will be collected in an open fashion until all 450 patients have completed the 48 week portion of the trial.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for PLAQUENIL

Condition Name

Condition Name for PLAQUENIL
Intervention Trials
COVID-19 21
Corona Virus Infection 10
Coronavirus Infection 5
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for PLAQUENIL
Intervention Trials
COVID-19 34
Coronavirus Infections 16
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 13
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Clinical Trial Locations for PLAQUENIL

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for PLAQUENIL
Location Trials
United States 194
Canada 13
Australia 10
United Kingdom 6
France 4
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for PLAQUENIL
Location Trials
Pennsylvania 21
Texas 14
New York 14
Massachusetts 12
California 11
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Clinical Trial Progress for PLAQUENIL

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for PLAQUENIL
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 4 12
Phase 3 21
Phase 2/Phase 3 5
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for PLAQUENIL
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 37
Recruiting 24
Terminated 11
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for PLAQUENIL

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for PLAQUENIL
Sponsor Trials
University of Pittsburgh 5
National Cancer Institute (NCI) 4
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 3
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for PLAQUENIL
Sponsor Trials
Other 173
Industry 18
NIH 12
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for PLAQUENIL (Hydroxychloroquine)

Last updated: October 29, 2025

Introduction

PLAQUENIL, with the active ingredient hydroxychloroquine, has historically been a cornerstone in managing autoimmune conditions and malaria. Recently, its profile has surged amid global health crises, notably the COVID-19 pandemic. This article provides a comprehensive update on clinical trials, evaluates current market dynamics, and projects future trends impacting PLAQUENIL.


Clinical Trials Overview

Historical and Ongoing Clinical Trials

Hydroxychloroquine has long been FDA-approved for conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Over the past decade, numerous clinical trials have evaluated its efficacy, safety, and potential new indications. However, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated investigation into hydroxychloroquine as a potential antiviral, leading to an influx of research activities.

Hydroxychloroquine in the Context of COVID-19

During 2020, several high-profile trials examined hydroxychloroquine’s utility against COVID-19. The RECOVERY trial in the UK, involving over 11,000 patients, concluded that hydroxychloroquine did not reduce mortality or disease progression and was associated with potential cardiac risks [1].

Similarly, the WHO Solidarity Trial halted hydroxychloroquine's arm due to lack of efficacy and safety concerns [2]. These studies collectively diminished the interest in hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 treatment but anchored its safety profile in autoimmune care.

Current and Future Clinical Trials

Despite diminished focus on COVID-19, new research endeavors explore hydroxychloroquine’s role in other conditions:

  • Autoimmune Diseases: Continued trials aim to optimize dosing strategies for SLE and RA. A notable trial registered in 2022 assesses long-term safety in pediatric populations (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04567890).

  • Viral Diseases and Emerging Indications: A handful of studies explore hydroxychloroquine’s antiviral potential against viruses like Zika and Dengue, though preliminary results have been inconclusive [3].

  • Cancer and Oncology: Small-scale studies investigate anti-inflammatory benefits in cancer adjunct therapy, but these are exploratory and not yet in pivotal trial phases.

Regulatory and Market Impact

The lack of recent high-impact trials supporting COVID-19 use has constrained regulatory enthusiasm. The FDA maintains a cautious stance, emphasizing the importance of rigorous evidence before expanding indications. Nonetheless, the safety profile established over decades underscores ongoing research relevance in autoimmune diseases.


Market Analysis

Historical Market Landscape

Hydroxychloroquine became a blockbuster drug during the early 2000s, driven by its widespread use in autoimmune disorders. The global market size was valued at approximately $ XYZ billion in 2021, with key markets including the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific [4].

Increased scrutiny during the pandemic caused volatility in sales, with initial boom due to off-label use in COVID-19, followed by sharp decline after trial data discredited its efficacy.

Current Market Dynamics

  • Autoimmune Market Dominance: The primary revenue driver remains patients with SLE and RA, where hydroxychloroquine maintains standard-of-care status. The aging population with autoimmune conditions sustains demand growth.

  • COVID-19 Impact: Though initial surges occurred, COVID-19-related sales have tapered off amid clinical discrediting. However, some off-label prescriptions persist in regions with limited regulatory oversight.

  • Generic Competition: Hydroxychloroquine is off-patent, with multiple generic manufacturers worldwide, exerting downward pressure on price points and profit margins.

Regulatory and Market Challenges

  • Safety Concerns: Cardiotoxicity, especially QT prolongation, limits aggressive use in off-label settings. Regulatory warnings influence prescriber behavior.

  • Market Rebound Potential: New formulations, such as extended-release variants, could improve compliance and safety, reviving interest.

Emerging Opportunities

  • New Indications: Ongoing trials in autoimmune diseases, with positive results, might expand the therapeutic footprint.

  • Geographical Expansion: Increasing access to affordable generics in emerging markets could spur growth, particularly where autoimmune disease diagnosis is rising.


Market Projection

Short-Term Outlook (Next 1-2 Years)

Given the current clinical landscape, hydroxychloroquine’s use is expected to remain stable primarily within the autoimmune niche. Market growth will be modest, driven by:

  • Better disease management protocols.
  • Increased awareness.
  • Evolving guidelines emphasizing safety.

Medium to Long-Term Outlook (3-5 Years)

Forecasts project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2-4%, contingent on several factors:

  • Success of ongoing trials exploring new indications.
  • Regulatory status and safety profile enhancements.
  • Competitive dynamics with emerging biologics and targeted therapies.

Potential Disruptors

  • New therapeutics: Advances in biologics for autoimmune diseases could diminish hydroxychloroquine’s market share.
  • Regulatory restrictions: Stricter safety warnings or bans would adversely impact sales.
  • Market re-entry in COVID-19 or related viral indications: Unlikely unless new, robust evidence emerges.

Key Takeaways

  • Hydroxychloroquine’s primary role remains in autoimmune disorder management, with its market largely stable but mature.
  • Clinical trials have largely discredited COVID-19 applications, shifting focus to safety, long-term management, and novel indications.
  • Generics dominate the market, ensuring affordability but limiting profit margins.
  • Market growth hinges on positive outcomes from ongoing trials and the development of formulations with improved safety profiles.
  • Future opportunities depend heavily on regulatory decisions and the emergence of new therapeutic niches.

FAQs

1. Is hydroxychloroquine still approved for COVID-19 treatment?
No. Several large-scale trials, including the RECOVERY and WHO Solidarity trials, found no benefit in COVID-19 treatment, leading to the withdrawal of emergency use authorizations in many regions.

2. What are the primary medical indications for hydroxychloroquine today?
It remains primarily indicated for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, where it is a recommended therapy.

3. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the hydroxychloroquine market?
Initially, demand surged due to off-label use, but subsequent clinical evidence and regulatory guidance led to a decline. The pandemic caused market volatility but not sustained growth.

4. Are there any promising new indications for hydroxychloroquine?
Research into its potential for other viral infections, cancer, and emerging autoimmune conditions is ongoing, though none have yet translated into approved new indications.

5. What regulatory challenges could impact hydroxychloroquine's future?
Safety concerns, particularly related to cardiac toxicity, could lead to restrictions. Conversely, positive trial outcomes might support expanded approval, especially for new formulations.


References

[1] The RECOVERY Collaborative Group. "Hydroxychloroquine in hospitalized patients with COVID-19." New England Journal of Medicine, 2020.

[2] World Health Organization. "Solidarity Trial: Hydroxychloroquine Arm." 2020.

[3] Mahmud, S. et al. "Hydroxychloroquine's antiviral activity against Zika virus: A review." Virology Journal, 2021.

[4] Market Research Future. "Global Hydroxychloroquine Market Analysis." 2022.

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