"I’m just waiting for more data and the best provider of this data is the WHO because it is a repository of data of different clinical trial results from other countries. We are guided by the WHO’s advisory on ivermectin," Health Secretary Francisco Duque III told CNN Philippines'"But this is not to preclude us from holding our own clinical trial on ivermectin. In response to the President’s directive, the plan is already there," Duque said.
He stressed that the Department of Science and Technology is already coordinating with the Health Department and select hospitals that will conduct the trials on the drug which is commonly used on animals. "Presumably, this will be done on mild cases, those who are in isolation, to see if ivermectin has an efficient effect in treatment and also in terms of prevention. This is the hypothesis that needs to be proven through the conduct of clinical trial studies," Duque added., as the current evidence on its effectivity against COVID-19 is"inconclusive."
Even pharmaceutical giant Merck, the company behind ivermectin, said the drug has not shown any scientific basis for a potential therapeutic effect against COVID-19 from pre-clinical studies. However, at least five hospitals in the Philippines have already been granted compassionate special permits to use the drug as of Tuesday. The FDA previously said doctors who will prescribe the experimental drug will be held liable for possible side effects.READ:
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