The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has approved a project on the formulation and standardization of a possible drug against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña announced this during the televised Laging Handa briefing on Monday, April 12.
“We just approved the project on the formulation and standardization of procaine hydrochloride – methylprednisolone sodium succinate powder for injection to be undertaken by the UP (University of the Philippines) Manila,” he said.
The project is funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
De la Peña noted that the formulation is being developed by the UP-Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH).
De la Peña said the clinical trials will be conducted by the De La Salle University (DLSU)-Dasmariñas.
“It will be a collaboration of research centers. Hopefully, ito ay makatulong din sa atin (this will help us),” he said.