remaining closed, more factories closing, and restrictions being placed on import/export between different countries could lead to a major shortfall to manufacture and deliver the very needed dermatology medications in the next several months and further. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have demonstrated in vitro success in inhibiting SARS-CoV-25 and are now being utilized off-label for COVID-19. This is crucial because chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are of utmost importance to dermatology as the mainstays of therapy in treating autoimmune and connective tissue disorders; increased demand to treat COVID-19 may lead to their deficits as well. The implications go beyond the field of dermatology as the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on worldwide pharmaceutical supply chain may have a major impact on drug prescription in other specialties and the entire medical field.
DISCLOSURES
The authors have no conflicts.
REFERENCES
1. Cascella M, Rajnik M, Cuomo A et al. Features, Evaluation and Treatment Coronavirus (COVID-19). StatPearls 2020; Treasure Island, FL.
2. Lupkin S. How Coronavirus Is Affecting The U.S. Pharmaceutical Supply. NPR Mar 12, 2020.
3. Li DG, Joyce C, Mostaghimi A. Association between market competition and prices of generic topical dermatology drugs. JAMA Dermatol 2018;154: 1441-6.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Orange Book: Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations. 2020.
5. Yao X, Ye F, Zhang M et al. In vitro antiviral activity and projection of optimized dosing design of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Clin Infec Dis 2020 Mar 9. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa237
2. Lupkin S. How Coronavirus Is Affecting The U.S. Pharmaceutical Supply. NPR Mar 12, 2020.
3. Li DG, Joyce C, Mostaghimi A. Association between market competition and prices of generic topical dermatology drugs. JAMA Dermatol 2018;154: 1441-6.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Orange Book: Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations. 2020.
5. Yao X, Ye F, Zhang M et al. In vitro antiviral activity and projection of optimized dosing design of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Clin Infec Dis 2020 Mar 9. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa237
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Andjela Egger BS axn404@med.miami.edu
