Revilla wants FDA to look into possible use of Ivermectin as treatment vs. COVID-19

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. is set to file a resolution urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately look into and consider the application for the use of Ivermectin as treatment against COVID-19.

In a statement on Wednesday, Revilla said he had talked with many doctors and patients themselves who attested to the effectiveness of Ivermectin as a treatment for those infected with COVID-19.

According to Dr. Rizalina Zunio, a veterinarian, Ivermectin was discovered in 1975

She said that aside from being a veterinary medicine, it is also considered as a wonder drug.

"'Yung Ivermectin kasi anti-parasitic talaga siya, parang ginagamit natin sa pang-purga. Hindi naman life threatening 'yun, kasi 'yung mga hayop madami sa kanila may bulate, may galis... 'yun ang pinaggagamitan natin..." she said in an interview on Dobol B TV Tuesday.

(Ivermectin is really anti-parasitic, like it's being used for de-worming. It is not life threatening because animals have worms ... it is where we use it.)

Still, Zunio said the public should be cautious in considering this drug as a possible treatment for COVID-19, noting that more studies are needed to prove that it is beneficial amid the pandemic.

Dr. Edsel Salvana, a molecular biologist and Department of Health (DOH) advisor, also said health experts are not totally against the use of Ivermectin, however, he noted that further studies should be done to ensure that it is safe for patients.

Revilla said further studies on Ivermectin could prove the "efficacy" of the drug and show how it can be used properly and safely.

“Hindi lamang mandato ng FDA, kundi obligasyon nito, na tingnan ang iba’t-ibang maaaring tugon at lunas sa kasalukuyang pandemya. Kung totoo na may potensiyal makatulong ang Ivermectin laban sa COVID-19, tama lamang na tingnan ito ng mabuti,” he said.

(It's not only the mandate of the FDA, but also its obligation, to consider the various possible solutions to address the current pandemic. If there is truth to the potential of Ivermectin to fight COVID-19, it is only proper to thoroughly look into it.)

The senator also said that while he is not a medical expert, it is everyone's responsibility to come up with ways to protect public safety and welfare, and this includes finding alternative solutions to the health problem.

He argued that it is not proper to close doors already on the possible effectivity of a drug without looking into its potential benefits.

Senator Bong Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, echoed the call of Revilla for a thorough scientific study on the possible uses, side effects, and risks of Ivermectin.

“Marami pong nagsasabi na makakatulong ang gamot na ito laban sa COVID-19. Hayaan po natin ang mga eksperto at doktor na pag-aralan ito ng mabuti. Sila ang makapagsasabi kung ligtas at epektibo talaga ito,” he said.

(Many have been saying that this drug would help against COVID-19. Let our experts and doctors look into this. They can say whether this drug is indeed safe and effective.)

“Ang sa akin lang, maging bukas ang ating isipan sa mga ganitong mga suhestyon galing sa pribadong sektor at mga health advocates. Ang laban kontra COVID-19 ay hindi lang laban ng gobyerno kundi laban ng buong sambayanan — ng buong mundo. Pakinggan natin ang mga gusto tumulong,” he added.

(For me, let's be open to suggestions like this from the private sector and health advocates. The fight against COVID-19 is not only by the government but of the community and the world as a whole. Let's listen to those who want to help.)

FDA director general Eric Domingo earlier said they will discuss with the manufacturer how it could hasten the use of Ivermectin as treatment for COVID-19. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News