Edmond Company Trying To Make Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Drug

Pharmaceutical companies around the world are in a race to mass produce an anti-malaria medication that has shown some success in fighting COVID-19.

The FDA just authorized hydroxychloroquine as a possible COVID-19 treatment. The anti-viral is now used to treat Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Edmond pharmaceutical manufacturer Qualgen is now looking for the ingredients to make hydroxychloroquine in its labs.

The company admits finding what’s needed for manufacturing has been difficult.

“Most of that has been quarantined by other countries. It’s hard to get it out of the country. It’s pretty much going to have to be a U.S. made product,” said Qualgen CEO Sean Riney.

Riney told News 9 he may have found a source for the ingredients and could be making hydroxychloroquine in about two months.

Meanwhile the company just finished its first batch of hand sanitizer.

2,100 gallons went to customers starting Wednesday and Qaulgen said thousands more are being made each week.