PH willing to join clinical trials for COVID-19 drug

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is ready to participate in clinical trials of potential COVID-19 vaccines like Avigan, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said, quoting President Rodrigo Duterte’s exchange with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit with Japan, South Korea and China on Monday.

In a recent report to Congress, the President said the health department was considering the use of the anti-flu drug Favipiravir, which is sold under the brand name Avigan, in its clinical trials.

During the summit, Duterte also sought to increase scientific cooperation in the area of vaccine and antiviral treatment research and development among Asean countries.

—Leila B. Salaverria

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