I can't speak to the interviews on FOX News and CNN since I don't watch either channel as both are hopelessly biased. Given the biases of both networks i'm not surprised by the reactions on either one.
As far as this study, I went ahead and read it and it has a number of issues.
First, Dr. Risch has been a consultant for multiple companies that produce HCQ, azithromycin and doxycycline. So he starts with a conflict of interest.
Second, even in his report he clearly states there have been no random controlled studies that support his point of view
" Some of my medical colleagues still prefer to wait until more studies are done and stronger evidence such as from RCTs becomes available, and government and professional advisory panels do reevaluate the evidence. I strongly urge these panels to reconsider the data and arguments discussed above. "
The problem with the studies he sites are since they are not randomized, controled studies (RCT's) you can't actually say it is due to HCQ that patients had better outcomes.
Third, his argument is that all the clinical studies that show HCQ is not effective come with patients who are farther along in their disease rather than early on and that HCQ should be used early on. This is no longer the case as there is a RCT from the Univ of MN released last week that shows no effectiveness from HCQ or HCQ with azithromycin used early on in diagnosis or as a Prophylaxis.
Also, here is a good study of the biases in the various clinical studies on HCQ, both those that showed no positive results results and those that did (including ones that he mentioned in support of his position)
Fourth, the study linked was reported on June 2nd. There are a number of studies, including RCT's that contradict his point of view since the publication of his study.
And while in his study he mentions the use of HCQ by doctors in some countries he fails to mention that some of those countries including France, Italy, Belgium and the UK no longer using HCQ, with France (one of the countries he cites multiple times) having banned the use of HCQ in hospitals.
Keep in mind it was due to the complaints from doctors that forced the FDA to change its initial guidance on HCQ as the majority of doctors were not seeing positive results from its use and were seeing some negative results so most moved on to other theraputics to try to treat COVID19.
And finally, Dr. Risch is affiliated with the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, a 5,000 member conservative doctors association which has promoted a number of scientifically discredited positions in the past such as HIV not causing AIDS and there being a causal link between vaccines and Autism.
dph.georgia.gov
