Duque: Still no strong evidence showing ivermectin's efficacy vs. COVID-19

There is still no strong evidence that the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin could be used as a possible treatment against COVID-19, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Monday.

"As of the last, there's still no strong evidence to support the use of ivermectin either as treatment or prophylaxis [against COVID-19]," Duque said at a hearing of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.

Some groups and individuals, including lawmakers, have pushed for the use of ivermectin even though the Food and Drug Administration has been insisting that further study is needed to prove that it is effective as an anti-virus drug.

Ivermectin manufacturer Merck said there was no scientific basis that the controversial drug has a potential therapeutic effect against COVID-19.

As early as February, Merck already advised against the use of the drug to treat COVID-19.

On the other hand, a doctor pushing for the use of ivermectin against COVID-19, Dr. Allan Landrito, had said the drug had been useful in combating other viral diseases aside from being an anti-parasitic drug.

He had claimed that ivermectin reduced COVID-19 mortality rate by 83%.

At least six hospitals have secured a compassionate special permit (CSP) for the use of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin on COVID-19 patients, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo said Wednesday. —NB, GMA News