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DOST expects results on trials of VCO as COVID-19 'cure' by end-June
By HANA BORDEY,GMA NewsThe Department of Science and Technology is expecting by end of June the results of the clinical trials on virgin coconut oil (VCO) as possible treatment for moderate and severe COVID-19 cases, DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said Saturday.
“‘Yung sa [Philippine General Hospital] studies for moderate and severe [COVID-19 cases] is ongoing. Baka end of June matapos" (by end of June the study will be concluded),” Dela Peña told GMA News Online.
Last November, the DOST finished the Phase 2
of clinical trials of VCO as possible treatment for probable and suspected cases of COVID-19.Studies were conducted at the Sta. Rosa Community Hospital, as well as in isolation facilities in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
In an interview on "Dobol B TV" on Saturday, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles also expressed confidence that clinical studies at the PGH will be out soon.
Completion of hospital-based clinical trials for VCO is supposed to end on May 31, 2021.
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Nevertheless, Nograles reported that community-based clinical trials yielded positive results in the fight against COVID-19 symptoms.
“Nakita po doon na mabisa ang VCO sa mga probable at suspected na COVID-19 patients na may symptoms” (The study showed that VCO is effective on probable, and suspected COVID-19 cases exhibiting symptoms), Nograles said.
According to him, the community-based study was conducted in partnership with the DOST- Calabarzon; local government of Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Department of Agriculture; Philippine Coconut Authority; and Ateneo de Manila University.
Earlier, the DOST said 42 patients are currently enrolled in the clinical trials for the VCO.
Last year, the DOST said VCO showed a promise against COVID-19 in a study on the antiviral effects of coconut oil compounds. —LBG, GMA News