The Department of Health disclosed last April 25 that the Philippines and Japan have begun discussing clinical trials for an anti-flu drug which may work as a COVID-19 cure.
Image Credit: GILEAD SCIENCES via AP
(Oxford group could have first few million doses of COVID-19 vaccine ready by September, if effective)
Health Spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire clarified that the agreement is still in its “initial stages of coordination.” The clinical trial involves the anti-flu drug, Avigan.
“Meron din po tayong trial na sisimulan… Ito po’y isang gamot naman, which is Avigan; pero nasa initial stages of coordination pa lang po tayo,” said Vergeire during the ‘Laging Handa’ briefing of government officials.
[We also have a trial we will start. This is for a drug, which is Avigan but we are still at the initial stages of coordination.]
(RELATED: DOH Considers a Japanese Anti-Flu Drug as Treatment for COVID-19 Patients)
The Philippines is testing various other treatments for COVID-19 patients. The Philippine General Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center have begun convalescent plasma therapy while other hospitals are involved in the World Health Organization’s “Solidarity Trial” of off-brand drugs.
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