Ivermectin clinical trials' start set by end of May —DOST exec

Researchers who will work on the clinical trials of ivermectin as a potential treatment drug for COVID-19 are eyeing to start the study by end of May, an official from the Department of Science and Technology said Saturday.

“Ang target po natin e magsisismula ‘yan mga katapusaan ng Mayo at ito po ay magtatagal ng tingin po namin basta mabilis ang pag-recruit ng pasyente, lalabas ang resulta after six months,” Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of Philippine Council for Health Research Development in DOST, said in an interview on "Dobol B TV."

(Our target is to start the study by the end of May --assuming we can easily recruit patients for the trials. The result may be out after six months.)

Prior to the study, researchers need various approval from different government bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the ethics board, among others, Montoya said. 

There will be consent forms that will be given to patients who will be joining the clinical trials.

Should there be any adverse effects during the period of the clinical trials, patients are entitled of indemnity claim, and the patient will be treated regardless of the cause the condition that arises during the trial period, Montoya said.

“Kung may mangyayari sa inyo at kung ito ay may kinalaman sa gamot o sa ivermectin e talagang bibigyan sila ng indemnity o makakauha sila ng claim. Kung ano man mangyari sa kanila, sila ay gagamutin... kasi kasama po yan sa responsibilidad ng mga researcher at ng sponsor” (In the event of any adverse effects, the patients will be given indemnity; they will be treated regardless of the cause as part of the sponsor's responsibility).

On Monday, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña announced that the Philippines will conduct clinical trials to assess whether the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

The study will be led by Dr. Aileen Wang at the Philippine General Hospital quarantine center. —LBG, GMA News