Science or Political Science?
Before 3/19/20 hydroxychloroquine, a drug used by hundreds of millions for RA and antimalarial prevention, was considered safer than aspirin and had very promising results in clinical trials for the treatment of Covid. (based on google search results before this date)
Chloroquine seems to be effective in limiting the replication of SARS-CoV-2 (virus causing COVID-19) in vitro. Conclusions There is rationale, pre-clinical evidence of effectiveness and evidence of safety from long-time clinical use for other indications to justify clinical research on chloroquine in patients with COVID-19.
A systematic review on the efficacy and safety of chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19
Physicians work out treatment guidelines for coronavirus < Hospital < 기사본문 - KBR
French researcher posts successful Covid-19 drug trial
South Korea experts recommend anti-HIV, anti-malaria drugs for COVID-19 - UPI.com
Coronavirus Covid-19: Chloroquine data; Japan to trial HIV drug
There was very little skepticism by scientist and doctors.
Then virtually overnight it became a dangerous drug and had to be banned. I am sure it had nothing to do with politics.