The government has so far not obtained any reliable scientific data that would show Ivermectin could be a safe and effective drug to prevent or treat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug, is only registered as a veterinary product used for animals, not humans.

Roque issued the latest statement in the wake of reports that Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor reportedly plans to distribute free Ivermectin, which some people claimed can help fight COVID-19, to senior citizens and other people with ailments in Quezon City. The lawmaker’s planned distribution of Ivermectin comes despite the health warnings as well as lack of regulatory approval.

"Ang Ivermectin kasi rehistrado siya pero hindi pang tao at for a different purpose, hindi pang COVID. Kung kayo may problema sa mga peste o may aso na may galis, yan ang binibigay (Ivermectin is registered but not for humans and for a different purpose. It's not for COVID. If you have a problem with pest or you have a dog with scabies, that is given)," he said during a televised press briefing Tuesday, April 6.

"Para sa Covid-19, wala pa tayong datos na nagpapakita na talagang epektibo siya (For COVID-19, we have no data that shows it is effective)," he added.

Roque however appealed to the public to wait for the decision of the country's drug regulators on the Ivermectin. He noted that an application for the compassionate use of Ivermectin has already been lodged before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Ang aking pakiusap, antayin na lang po natin kasi mabilisan naman po yang desisyon ng FDA (My appeal is let's wait since the FDA can decide on the matter soon)," he said.

Roque made the remarks after health authorities have warned against the purchase and use of Ivermectin against coronavirus infection. 

The FDA recently issued an advisory stating that Ivermectin products are approved for use in animals for the prevention of heartworm disease and treatment of internal and external parasites. 

"The public is warned against taking animal drugs, as the FDA has only evaluated their safety and efficacy in the particular species for which they are labeled. Using these products in humans can cause serious harm. Animal drugs are often highly concentrated and can be highly toxic to humans," the FDA said in a recent advisory.

The FDA added that data from clinical trials were necessary to determine whether Ivermectin was safe and effective in treating or preventing COVID-19.

When asked if Defensor could be held liable for distributing the anti-parasitic drug as a potential COVID-19 treatment, Roque declined to comment further.

"I will not give legal advice on something I am not engaged professionally,” he said.