(Eagle News) – The Department of Health will soon conduct clinical trials on the possible use of the anti-flu drug Avigan (generic name: favipiravir) to treat COVID-19 patients.
In a virtual presser, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its readiness to supply the Philippines with the drug, for free.
“Ang gamot na ito ay nagpapakita ng pag-asa sa paglaban natin sa COVID-19 at tayo ay agarang magkakaroon ng clinical trials upang masiguro na ang nasabing gamot ay epektibo at ligtas para sa mga Pilipino (This medicine shows hope in fighting COVID-19, and we will immediately conduct clinical trials to ensure that it is effective and safe for Filipinos)”, Vergeire said.
Vergeire explained that the clinical trials are necessary, since the benefits of the anti-viral drug to COVID-19 cases are not yet tried and tested as of this time.
She also appealed to those conducting clinical trials to take extra care in using Avigan, especially in pregnant patients.
“Nais din po naming hilingin sa mga nagsasagawa ng trials at sa publiko na lubos na mag-ingat sa paggamit ng Avigan sapagkat ayon po sa datos, ang Avigan ay di ligtas gamitin ng mga buntis (We also ask those who conduct trials and the public to be careful in using Avigan because according to data, Avigan is not safe for those who are pregnant)”, Vergeire added.
Eagle News Service
