DOST starts formulation of virgin coconut oil for initial testing vs. COVID-19

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has started the formulation of virgin coconut oil for testing as a cure for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a public briefing on Wednesday, DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said the virgin coconut oil is being tried in two locations.

“We've been trying VCO in two locations. We have already started the formulations that will be tested initially in vitro,” de la Peña said.

He said the one in Philippine General Hospital for moderate and severe cases has been approved by the Ethics Board of the University of the Philippines Manila.

“I am just waiting for the report that they have already started,” he added.

The VCO test in PGH will run for 14 days with 100 patients, according to de la Peña.

Meanwhile, the test in Sta.Rosa Community Hospital does not have enough patients. De la Peña said the Medical City set up a facility in the area to participate in the trial. More patients will be drawn from Sta. Rosa quarantine center.

The VCO test in Sta. Rosa will focus mild cases of COVID-19, he added. — BM, GMA News