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Dave Wessner, biology professor and interim chair of health and human values, made his debut as a Forbes contributor with a piece evaluating two potential treatments for the coronavirus.

In the world-wide race to treat COVID-19, two drugs—already in use to treat other ailments—seem to offer promise.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is widely prescribed to patients fighting lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. According to Wessner, “HCQ’s ability to modulate the inflammatory response is one reason why it’s caught the eye of researchers.”

Likewise, the antiviral remdesivir may be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19 “because it looks very similar to a chemical that viruses need to reproduce.”

Wessner explains why scientists are eyeing these drugs but urges proponents to proceed with caution until human trials are complete.