DA creates team for prelim ivermectin trials vs. ASF

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has created a research team to look into the potential of antiparasitic drug ivermectin to prevent and control the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

In his Special Order No. 310, series of 2021, dated April 30, 2021,  Agriculture Secretary William Dar ordered the establishment of the research team for ASF control and prevention.

The research team is tasked to “prepare research proposals on the use of Ivermectin, ASF Buster, Cloud Feed and other potential products for the control and prevention of ASF.”

The team is also directed to “conduct preliminary field trials of Ivermectin and other agents to produce science-based evidence in support to control and prevention programs of ASF.”

The team consists of technical advisers, namely Agriculture Undersecretary William Medrano, National Livestock Program Director Dr. Ruth Miclat-Sonaco, and Bureau of Animal Industry (BA) officer-in-charge Director Dr. Reildrin Morales.

BAI OIC-Assistant Director Dr. Rene Santiago was designated as program leader and Philippine Carabao Center OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research Dr. Claro Mingala as assistant program leader.

The project leaders of the research team are National Dairy Authority Deputy Administrator Dr. Farrel Benjelix Magtoto, Pampanga State Agricultural University Associate Professor Dr. Rogelio Carandang Jr., and BAI Livestock Research and Development Division chief Dr. Marivic de Vera.

The research team is also tasked to “formulate and draft science-based policies for National Guidelines in using Ivermectin and other agents in the control and prevention programs of ASF” and “collaborate with international research and institution to conduct experiments to support claims in the use of Ivermectin and other agents.”

Ivermectin gained public attention due to several claims it can be used as a treatment for COVID-19.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve human-grade ivermectin in the Philippines. Under existing laws, ivermectin can only be prescribed to animals.

The FDA, however, already granted compassionate use permit for the use of ivermectin on humans against COVID-19 to at least five hospitals.

An issuance of compassionate use permit, however, is not tantamount to an FDA guarantee of safety and efficacy but only allows legal administration of the drug in the country.

The results of the Department of Science and Technology's clinical trials for ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19 will be known not earlier than January 2022. 

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the conduct of the clinical trial of ivermectin in the Philippines amid clamor from his congressional allies and a number of doctors who are not necessarily infectious disease experts. —KBK, GMA News