Sanofi Türkiye Supports Ministry of Health

"We have completed a donation of 3 million doses of hydroxychloroquine"

"As Sanofi Turkey, we have been working in the front lines in full cooperation with our government in the fight against COVID-19 from day one. We, who have been working for Turkey's healthy future with our production, knowledge and investments for more than 60 years, are ready for every task that falls upon us in this struggle. For this purpose, in the fight against COVID-19, in cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Health and in accordance with the Ministry's approvals, we have completed a donation of 3 million doses of hydroxychloroquine.

"A global public health issue"

At a time when global public health faces an unprecedented threat, Cem Öztürk, noting that Sanofi continues to work in full cooperation with health authorities worldwide, stated as follows: "Fighting COVID-19 is a transboundary, global public health issue. Every step taken in this area by all industry representatives will be extremely valuable. Today, this medication is used by our patients in the fields of rheumatology and dermatology. One of our priorities is to ensure the supply of our medication for existing indications and patient safety. As Sanofi, to ensure continuity of drug supply, including increasing our production capacity, we continue all necessary preparations in cooperation with the authorities. On this occasion, I would like to express our gratitude to our physicians, pharmacists and all healthcare sector workers who have performed their duties with unprecedented dedication, patience and commitment in the fight against COVID-19, which has affected the entire world in just a few months." Although independent clinical trials have reported findings pointing to the potential antiviral efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 infection, more comprehensive clinical studies are needed to evaluate the risk/benefit profile of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 treatment and to reach final conclusions regarding its efficacy and safety. There are clinical studies planned to be conducted by our Ministry in this regard. Although COVID-19 treatment is not currently among its indications, hydroxychloroquine, which is being closely monitored by the World Health Organization by being included in research, has been approved for off-label use by the Turkish Ministry of Health based on available data and has been included in the Turkey COVID-19 Patient Management and Treatment Guide.