Why no breakthrough yet? Or, why is it 'taking so long' to test COVID-19 treatments? - Bert Hubert's writings

Many many possible medicines are being touted as possibly being helpful in fighting COVID-19. Here’s a small list where we have some initial results or at least anecdotes: (hydroxy)chloroquine, with azithromycin or zinc: This is the “tech-bro” favorite right now, partially based on recommendations from Elon Musk and Donald Trump, two noted medical professionals. There have been a few reports on this working or not working. This article argues that an alternation of negative and positive results actually is to be expected, even if the treatment is fairly effective, which it might be.