Can Ivermectin really cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo said although there are claims of people being cured, there is not enough evidence on this.
"Many claim that it cured them. But at the same time they are also taking other drugs. That's why our specialists say, we can't say that this is what cured them as we still lack evidence," he said in a meeting with President Duterte Monday, April 12.
"There are many ongoing clinical trials around the world and we are waiting for the results," added Domingo.
Last week, the FDA announced that a compassionate special permit (CSP) has been granted to a hospital for the use of Ivermectin against COVID-19.
The CSP is a special permit issued by the FDA granting an entity the privilege to avail of an unregistered drug, medical device, or food product.
In a radio interview over the weekend, Domingo said all hospitals may apply for CSP.
"All hospitals can apply. Most drugs being used today against COVID- 19 are not registered because the product is under investigation. So all hospitals that use these drugs get CSP from FDA," said Domingo.
"This is one of the drugs under investigation for COVID-19. Although there is no or enough evidence to register it as a COVID- 19 drug, it is eligible for CSP," he added.