Ivermectin Clinical Trials Eyes Participants From Quarantine Facilities Near PGH
IVERMECTIN – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) prepares for the clinical trials of Ivermectin.
The use of the anti-parasitic drug for COVID-19 is highly controversial with almost all concerned bodies being against its use. However, the DOST said the would source patients from at least six quarantine centers near the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
During an interview on Teleradyo, DOST secretary Fortunato dela Peña said:
“Yung mga quarantine centers around PGH, yun po ang ating kukunan ng participants, siguro at least mga anim po na quarantine centers“
Furthermore, he added that patients with mild symptoms are mostly eyed for the study. Additionally, he noted that patients admitted to the PGH will not be included in the clinical trials. Still, the DOST said the number of participants in the clinical trials have yet to be finalized.
Despite the warnings from health experts across the globe, Health Chief Francisco Duque requested to make proposals for clinical trials. Moreover, the trial would be led by Dr. Aileen Wang of the University of the Philippines – Manila.
Along with this, Dela Peña stated that a portion of the Department of Health’s budget has been allocated for the trials. However, he mentioned that the process could be expedited with more participants in the study. He also said that the trials could take six months to complete.
Ivermectin has gained a large following in the Philippines in the recent months. Big names such as politicians and TV personalities have come forward in support of the anti-parasitic drug. Still, there have been no studies that offer any indication that Ivermectin is effective against the new coronavirus, COVID-19.
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