Reference:
Mehra, M. R., Desai, S. S., Ruschitzka, F., & Patel, A. N. (2020). Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine with or without a macrolide for treatment of COVID-19: A multinational registry analysis. The Lancet, published online May 22, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31180-6
Summary:
In June 2020, The Lancet announced the retraction of a significant study assessing the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment. The retraction stemmed from concerns about the integrity of the data provided by Surgisphere Corporation, which could not be independently verified due to confidentiality agreements. The original study, authored by Mehra et al., had drawn considerable attention during the pandemic, influencing treatment protocols worldwide. Following various criticisms regarding the validity of their dataset, the authors undertook a third-party peer review. However, Surgisphere’s refusal to supply complete data hindered this process, leading the authors to retract their findings, acknowledging the inability to confirm the authenticity of their data sources. This incident highlighted the pressing need for rigorous scrutiny and accountability in medical research, especially during global health emergencies. The authors expressed their sincere apologies for any confusion or distress caused by the situation, underscoring the ethical responsibility researchers hold towards the scientific community and public health.