Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Eric Domingo told President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night (April 12) that there is no sufficient evidence yet to prove that ivermectin is effective against COVID-19.
Domingo said there are many ongoing clinical trials on the anti-parasitic drug, after President Duterte asked if there have been patients who have recovered from COVID-19 due to the drug.
“Marami po kasing nagki-claim na ito po ang nagpagaling sa kanila. Kaya lang at the same time, marami naman din po sila kasing ibang gamot na iniinom [Many are claiming that this cured them. But at the same time, they were also taking other medicines],” Domingo said.
“Kaya po ang sinasabi ng ating mga espesyalista, hindi naman natin masasabi na ito ‘yong nagpagaling sa kanila, at na medyo kulang pa po tayo ng ebidensiya [That is why experts are saying it cannot be concluded that it cured them, and that there is still a lack of evidence],” he added.
The official also said three companies have shown their intention to register their ivermectin products formulated for human use. He gave the assurance that the FDA will thoroughly evaluate the applications once the requirements are submitted.
Reps clash on ivermectin
Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy, a solon who supports the drug, said she will “send all foreign clinical trials to the President if need be just so he will be briefed properly and accurately.”
Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr., however, said we must “wait for the clinical trial and wait for a scientific or medical proof that the same is safe and effective against the virus.”
Meanwhile, former health Secretary and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin thanked the FDA and the executive for “allowing science to prevail.”
“Clinical trials on ivermectin can proceed. However, since the risks outweigh any possible benefit at this point of time, better not to use it for prevention or cure of Covid,” she added.
– Report from Daniel Manalastas/AG-jlo
