(PNA file photo)
MANILA – The country will proceed with the conduct of clinical trials on the use of Ivermectin for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) executive director Jaime Montoya said Tuesday.
In an interview with ANC's Headstart, Montoya said that while there have been existing studies on the use of Ivermectin for Covid-19, these were done in different countries.
"It would be good for us to document the local experiences, how they would respond, and if there would be adverse effects," he said.
Montoya pointed out that experts would like to determine the best treatment options for the Filipinos, and also the proper doses that they should take.
Over 1,000 non-severe patients are needed to participate in the clinical trials. This includes mild and asymptomatic patients. Montoya said "non-severe cases" have been chosen since most of the cases in the Philippines belong to that category.
"Remember that even asymptomatic cases could get severe. We want to see if Ivermectin could prevent that," he added.
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial will be done, which may help health experts to determine if the drug can reduce the number of days the patient will experience symptoms, according to Montoya.
The executive clarified that conducting the clinical trial will generate evidence that could help the Food and Drug Administration in coming up with a decision.
On Monday, he announced that recruitment of participants and the clinical trial may likely start by the end of May or early June. Results are expected early next year. (PNA)
In an interview with ANC's Headstart, Montoya said that while there have been existing studies on the use of Ivermectin for Covid-19, these were done in different countries.
"It would be good for us to document the local experiences, how they would respond, and if there would be adverse effects," he said.
Montoya pointed out that experts would like to determine the best treatment options for the Filipinos, and also the proper doses that they should take.
Over 1,000 non-severe patients are needed to participate in the clinical trials. This includes mild and asymptomatic patients. Montoya said "non-severe cases" have been chosen since most of the cases in the Philippines belong to that category.
"Remember that even asymptomatic cases could get severe. We want to see if Ivermectin could prevent that," he added.
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial will be done, which may help health experts to determine if the drug can reduce the number of days the patient will experience symptoms, according to Montoya.
The executive clarified that conducting the clinical trial will generate evidence that could help the Food and Drug Administration in coming up with a decision.
On Monday, he announced that recruitment of participants and the clinical trial may likely start by the end of May or early June. Results are expected early next year. (PNA)
