Currently, there are “no FDA-approved drugs specifically for the treatment of patients with COVID-19,” per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is also no vaccine. But there are antiviral drugs that show promise in tests and actual use. Food and Drug Administration emergency use powers should be exercised to fast-track the approval and use of these drugs. Confidence in accelerated approval will facilitate greater speed in their manufacture, which can and should be assured by the federal government through use of the Defense Production Act. 

Leading scientists have predicted dire short-term public health impacts from the spread of the coronavirus, and the resulting COVID-19 disease. The president has said holding U.S. deaths under 100,000 would reflect good efforts. Other estimates are far higher. A reasonable weighing of risks and benefits shows that quick testing, approval and distribution of promising drugs could save hundreds of thousands of lives and help to mitigate the current medical care crisis. 

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