Garin: FDA OK of ivermectin for 1 hospital seems a political move, not medical

Iloilo Representative Janette Garin on Thursday criticized the Food and Drug Administration's allowing one hospital the "compassionate use" of anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, saying it seems to be a political decision rather than a medical one. 

In a press statement, Garin—a medical doctor and a former Health Secretary—said that the FDA's move was "one big joke."

"This should not have a place in an institution who is primarily responsible for safety and efficacy of drugs and vaccines prior to allowing Filipinos to access such," she said in a press statement.

"Issuing a compassionate use permit for just one hospital but saying it cannot be distributed and used for COVID-19 treatment in general seems to be more of a political accommodation than a medical decision," she added.

Garin explained that "compassionate use means access is a potential pathway for a patient with an immediate and urgent life-threatening condition or serious disease when no other option is available."

"Therefore, you give it to dying patients where risks of an experimental drug are outweighed by current situation of the patient. Kumbaga, no choice na. Last resort," Garin said.

Ivermectin, a veterinary drug used to prevent parasites and heartworm illness in certain animals, is being touted by some as a COVID-19 treatment.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO), the US FDA, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and even ivermectin manufacturer Merck have all said that there is a lack of data and evidence of its efficacy in COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

FDA Director General Eric Domingo earlier announced that one hospital's application for compassionate use of the drug on humans with COVID-19 has been granted.

Domingo said only that hospital will be allowed to import the drug through a licensed importer.

He also said the compassionate use permit is different from the pending application of two local manufacturers seeking for certificate of product registration for ivermectin.

According to Garin, decisions like this should always be backed by science, noting that the ivermectin is still under clinical trial.

"We are dealing with public health. Anti-parasitic drug na gamot sa hayop ginawang anti-viral na gamot sa tao? Parang nilang sinabing pareho lang ang langgam sa daga. Pinareho nila ang galising aso o pusa sa mga may COVID-19," Garin said.

(An anti-parasitic drug for animals will be used as anti-viral medicine for humans? It's like saying that an ant is similar to a rat. They're likening a dog or cat with scabies to persons with COVID-19.)

The lawmaker appealed to business owners and entrepreneurs to not take advantage of the desperation of the people to acquire possible treatment for COVID-19.

"Viral illnesses are self-limiting. Kusang gumagaling ang karamihan [Many recover] unless complications set in because of existing comorbidities. Huwag naman linlangin ang taong bayan. Huwag abusuhin at gawing kapital ang takot na nararamdaman ng mga kababayan natin dahil sa COVID-19," Garin said.

(Businesses should not deceive the public. They should not abuse the fear of public against COVID-19.)

Lawmakers, including Anakalusugan party-list Representative Mike Defensor, have been pushing for the use of ivermectin as a possible treatment for COVID-19 patients.

Defensor has said he will distribute the said drug for COVID-19 patients in Quezon City. He said he would prioritize senior citizens and those with comorbidities. — BM, GMA News