Philippines to start clinical trials on ivermectin, other drugs for COVID-19

MANILA, April 20 (Reuters) - The Philippines will begin
clinical trial of several drugs, including the anti-parasite
medication ivermectin, in patients with COVID-19 to determine
their efficacy in combatting the coronavirus, a senior
government official said.
Some politicians in the Philippines have started promoting
the use of ivermectin for coronavirus and given out free doses,
although the country's food and drugs regulator has cautioned
against the use because of a lack of evidence for the drug as a
treatment.
The clinical trial for ivermectin, which could last for six
months, "will give us a more reliable estimate of the effects of
invermectin as an anti-viral agent in mild and moderate
(COVID-19) patients," science and technology minister, Fortunato
Dela Pena, said in a presentation late on Monday.
The Southeast Asian nation, which is facing one of the worst
coronavirus outbreaks in Asia, is battling a renewed surge in
infections, with its vaccination drive on reaching 1.3 million
people out of its more than 108 million population.
Ivermectin tablets have been approved for treating some worm
infestations and for veterinary use in animals for parasites.
The World Health Organization last month recommended against
using ivermectin in patients with COVID-19 except for clinical
trials, because of a lack of data demonstrating its benefits.
Dela Pena said the government has also approved the clinical
trials of a new formulation of methylprednisolone, a steroid,
and melatonin, as treatments for COVID-19.
The government will also start trials of an herbal
supplement, derived from the native tawa-tawa plant that can
fight dengue, he said, adding to ongoing tests using virgin
coconut oil for severe COVID-19 patients.
"We are trying several (medications). They may not be
vaccines but they could potentially speed up the recovery," Dela
Pena said.
The Philippines has recorded more than 945,000 COVID-19
cases and over 16,000 deaths, the second highest rates in
Southeast Asia, next to Indonesia.