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Interesting article, although I don't see where it mentions any gain of function. It does seem to provide a fairly balanced assessment of different potential treatments. It looks like the researchers involved in various research efforts are hyping the drug that they are researching, probably to gain interest and funding. It's not the first time I've seen researchers hype the significance of their own research in hopes of getting more money. I can't help but think of the hype around CRISPR/CAS, where its potential has been exaggerated way above what it can actually do.

It looks like hydroxychloroquine might help to relieve symptoms, which I suppose could lead to better clinical outcomes. Remdesivir also could help, but was still in clinical trials for the purpose of gaining eventual FDA approval. In other words, no miracle drug is about to hit the scene.

I do have to wonder who brought the hydroxychloroquine to the president's attention. Did he go by media reports without consulting his scientific advisors? Did they give him wrong advice? I find either possibility hard to believe, but I suppose it's possible.