The country will no longer push through with the conduct of Ivermectin clinical trial, Department of Science and Technology Sec. Fortunato de la Peña said.
“The DOST, upon the recommendation of the Department of Health and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development Governing Council, has decided to discontinue the study that aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and effect on the viral clearance of Ivermectin in Covid-19 patients,” he said.
The study would supposedly document the local experiences, how participants would respond, and if there would be adverse effects. Over 1,000 non-severe patients are needed to participate in the clinical trials. The figure includes mild and asymptomatic patients.
PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya earlier said a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial will be done, which may help health experts determine if the drug can reduce the number of days the patient will experience symptoms.
Recruitment of participants was initially targeted at least early June 2021, but was moved to Oct. 15, 2021.
De la Peña said the DOST has started with the preparatory work, but clinical trials have not been conducted yet.
He said the delays on the deliverables and the lack of clinical benefits of Ivermectin based on recent studies, were among the reasons the clinical trial will no longer be held.
Dela Peña said the issuance of the recommendation against the use of Ivermectin and the availability of effective therapeutics for the early phases of Covid-19 were the other reasons the study will no longer be conducted. – PNA
