PHL TO DO OWN CLINICAL TRIAL ON IVERMECTIN USE

The government will finally conduct its own clinical trial on the use of the anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin, which has sparked debate over reported efficacy to prevent and to treat Covid-19.

This after President duterte ordered the department of Science and Technology (DOST) to determine the efficacy and safety of using the drug for Covid-19 patients.

“The President wanted to know if there is basis of said effectiveness of Ivermectin for Covid. Because if it is effective and affordable, why would it not be used [locally]. But it must be proven if it is safe and effective,” Presidential spokesman harry Roque said in an online press briefing on Tuesday.

Food and drug administration (Fda) director general Eric domingo said the Philippine Council for health Research and development of DOST will conduct the study.

Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said they are considering dr. aileen Wang of the Philippine general hospital to conduct the study, which may last for at least six months.

he said the projected period of the study will be shortened if they will be able to secure numerous volunteers.

The clinical trial, to be funded by the department of health (doh), is expected to be done in the quarantine facility near Pgh.

“hopefully, once this trial is completed, we will have a reliable estimate on the effect of Ivermectin as an anti-viral agent,” de la Peña said.

To recall, both DOST and Fda earlier said the local clinical trial of Ivermectin is no longer necessary since there were already such studies being conducted by other countries.

domingo said they were looking to draw useful information from some of the trials which are expected to be completed in one to two months.

however, he said they reconsidered their position after they were tasked by the President to conduct a similar study.

Some lawmakers are pushing for the use of Ivermectin, which is currently being used to treat animals with parasites, for Covid-19 patients.

This despite the World health Organization (WHO) warning that there is currently no available data that Ivermectin can be used to treat Covid-19.

among the more notable personalities reported to be using it as prophylactic are former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and the incumbent Senate President Vicente Sotto III.