Four more subjects are needed so analysis can begin on one of the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) trials on Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) with the results expected to be released in late October or early November.
In his weekly report, DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena said there are 52 active subjects given interventions under the project “Beneficial effects of VCO tested among suspect and probable cases of COVID-19” implemented by the DOST- Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) at the Sta. Rosa Community Hospital in Laguna.
Out of the 52 subjects, 30 patients have completed the 28-day intervention while 22 are still ongoing. The study needs four more patients to meet the required number of 56.
Dela Pena had earlier said that once the analysis begins, results are expected in late October or early November.
At the Sta. Rosa Community Hospital, methodology for the trials is that for 28 days, the patients will be given VCO with their three meals. Their conditions would then be monitored from day zero as they enter or participate up to day 14 and day 28.
"Ang proseso kasi dyan yung mga volunteers hinahati yan sa dalawang sections. Yung kalahati binibigyan ng VCO, yung kalahati ay hindi (The process is that half of the volunteers will be given VCO while the other half will not)," Dela Pena said.
"Lahat niyan ay i-aanalyze kapag tapos na iyong ating 56 patients. Yun ay siguro mga isang buwan nila gagawin yung lahat ng analysis (All of that will be analyzed once the 56 patients have finished the trials and the whole analysis is expected to last for one month)," he added.
Subjects are still being recruited for VCO trials at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), where 50 patients will take VCO while 50 others will not.
During the trial, the VCO will serve as a supplement to the daily treatment regimen of COVID-19 positive patients. The study aims to assess the possible benefits of VCO if given to patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 in addition to the drugs being assessed in the clinical trials.