Manitoba is pumping $5 million into research to find a treatment for COVID-19.

Health Minister Cameron Friesen explains they hope to determine if a commonly used drug can safely be used to fight the virus.

The money will fund multiple projects to test possible treatments in clinical trials, as well as better understand how the disease is developing in Manitoba and better understand how the health system needs to react to different complications that are emerging around the world.

Friesen adds the money is in addition to funding made available to develop a COVID-19 vaccine at the University of Manitoba.

"We are pleased to refocus our research efforts on vital clinical trials and potential interventions in the fight against COVID-19," Tracey Maconachie, chair of Research Manitoba, says. "Our world-renowned partners are conducting leading-edge research that could expedite treatments for Manitobans and all Canadians."

More than $3.5 million will be used to support clinical and applied research including $700,000 for Manitoba’s first COVID-19 clinical trial for a drug to fight this virus, Friesen explains. The study will test whether or not the drug hydroxychloroquine, used to treat rheumatology issues, can prevent people from contracting COVID-19. The scientific trial will determine if the drug can safely be used as a treatment for COVID-19.