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Gov't to conduct VCO trials at PGH, vaccine trials with China, Taiwan -DOST


The ethics board of the University of the Philippines Manila has approved the inclusion of some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in clinical trials for virgin coconut oil (VCO) at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

According to Lei Alviz’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is also in talks for vaccine trials.

“The period for giving VCO in PGH is only 14 days to test whether it has a good effect on the patient. As I have indicated earlier, they are planning for 100 patients. Half will be on VCO and half will not be given VCO for comparison purposes,” DOST Secretary Fortunato De la Peña said.

“We are of course now doing our negotiations for the collaboration in vaccine trials with at least four institutions. Two coming from China and two coming from Taipei. It can increase to five,” he added.

De la Peña also said the DOST has begun studies related to virology, not only for the virus that causes COVID-19 but other viruses as well.

The DOST earlier said it was eyeing VCO as a food supplement for COVID-19 patients. - Julia Mari Ornedo/MDM, GMA News

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