ABSTRACT
Interest in chloroquine, and its analog with a more favorable safety profile - hydroxychloroquine, in 2020 is certainly associated with the outbreak of a new coronavirus infection, SARS-CoV-2. The high pathogenicity and lack of specific immunity in the population caused the rapid spread of infection with an extraordinary increase in the burden on the health systems of many countries. In such conditions, it was necessary to quickly find and implement effective methods of treatment and prevention. One of the most promising candidates for this role was hydroxychloroquine, as a multi-purpose drug with a well-studied safety profile and a rich history of use. The article describes some historical stages of the study of chloroquine and its derivatives starting from the 19th century and ending in 2020. The experience of its use for the treatment of diseases such as malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, bronchial asthma, photosensitivity and skin porphyria was reviewed. Separately, some historical aspects of its use for the treatment of viral and oncological diseases were considered. The bibliometric method used in this scientific work clearly demonstrates the dynamics of the changing interest of the scientific community in chloroquine and its derivatives. Chloroquine and its derivatives can definitely be attributed to «pharmaceutical centenarians¼ with an intense life that continues.