Trump touts new possible Pfizer coronavirus treatment currently used to treat SARS

President Trump on Thursday praised the potential of a possible Pfizer drug with compounds currently used to treat SARS that could also work on the coronavirus.

"Pfizer revealed today that it has found a promising new treatment that might prevent the virus from replicating and it hopes to begin testing in clinical trials very soon," Trump said today at a White House coronavirus task force briefing. "It's going to be very, very soon. They have great, great feelings for this particular therapy. They think that a lot of good things are happening.

Trump said the Food and Drug Administration's coronavirus treatment acceleration program had 19 therapies and treatments are now being tested and 26 are in the active planning or clinical trials. 

"That's a big statement, that's a lot," Trump said. 

The companies that manufacture hydroxychloroquine are massively ramping up production. As you know, many people are recommending strongly the z-pack be added and also zinc. And the federal government continues to build our stockpiles and distribute millions of doses for doctors to use as they see fit."

Trump said that the country had surpassed the mark of 2 million tests. 

"It's a milestone for our country, it's a milestone anywhere," Trump said. "Nobody's done anywhere close. Our tests are highly sophisticated and highly accurate."

Trump said he also held a call Thursday with 400 executives and leaders caring for mental health. 

ABC News reported that “Last month the ‘Disaster Distress Helpline’ at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) saw an 891% increase in call volume compared with March 2019.” The increase from February to March was 338%.