Donald Trump touts use of convalescent plasma as a treatment for COVID-19

United States President Donald Trump has touted the use of convalescent plasma as a possible treatment for coronavirus adding that he has heard “fantastic things” about it. His remarks come as FDA temporarily halted the emergency authorization for blood plasma as COVID-19 therapy. Commenting on the same, Trump suggested that the decision of regulators could have been “politically motivated”.

"I've heard numbers way over 50% success. And people are dying and we should have it approved if it's good and I'm hearing it's good. I heard from people at the FDA that it's good," he said at a press briefing. 

'Political decision'

Earlier this week, the emergency approval for the use of blood plasma for treating COVID-19  was put on hold after officials said that data which backed it was too weak, an American media outlet reported. However, Trump reckoned that it could be a “political decision.” Accusing the government body of being biased towards his electoral opponents, he said, “You have a lot of people over there that don't want to rush things because they want to do it after November 3.”

Read: Indian Army Donates Plasma On State's Call In Assam

Read: Study Hints, Can't Prove, Survivor Plasma Fights COVID-19

This is not the first time Trump has gone against researchers to tout for a 'coronavirus cure'. For the longest time, the US President has touted the anti-malarial drug and in May, the US even authorised the emergency use of the same in the most severe patients of the novel coronavirus. Trump had called the drug “game-changer” despite the lack of scientific evidence that the drug often used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus is also beneficial for COVID-19. Trump has not only refused to wear a mask but has been criticised for promoting an unproven treatment of the highly contagious disease.

Read: 'Convalescent Plasma Therapy Not Very Effective In Reducing Fatality Risk': AIIMS Director 

Read: Fact Check: Was US President Donald Trump Tested Positive For COVID-19?