The Philippines is now part of an international consortium that is conducting an analysis of all the randomized Ivermectin clinical trials around the world, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced on Friday, June 25.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” de la Peña said the global consortium is spearheaded by Dr. Andrew Hill of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom.
“The Philippine Ivermectin Clinical Trial Team is now part of the International Ivermectin Clinical Trials Consortium which conducts a combined analysis of all the randomized trials of ivermectin worldwide,” he said on the DOSTv Facebook page on Friday.
Citing the current available data, the DOST chief noted that there are 76 randomized clinical trials evaluating the anti-parasitic drug for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) treatment, in over 20,000 patients in 30 countries.
He added that there are 11 randomized trials evaluating Ivermectin for prevention, in over 9,000 participants.
“This combined analysis looks at the data of ivermectin’s effect on COVID-19 treatment, prevention, survival benefits, effects on viral clearance, among others,” he said.
De la Peña said the country’s team tasked to conduct the clinical trials on the use of Ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19 is expected to present its study next week.
“The International Ivermectin Project Team meets at least monthly to connect investigators from around the world researching Ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19, and their next meeting will be on July 2, 2021 where the Philippine Ivermectin Clinical Trial team will present the study,” he said.
The eight month-long study is expected to be conducted by a research team from the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila- Philippine General Hospital (PGH), led by Dr. Aileen Wang.
It aims to provide data on the efficacy, safety, and effect on the viral clearance of Ivermectin among asymptomatic and non-severe Filipino patients
The DOST had disclosed that the Ivermectin clinical trials could be expected by next month.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/16/phs-ivermectin-clinical-trials-eyed-to-be-conducted-by-july-1-dost/