DOH allocates P18M for trial of antiviral drug Avigan — Duterte report

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte updates the nation on the government’s efforts in addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on May 11, 2020. ACE MORANDANTE / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) allocated P18 million for the trial of antiviral medication Avigan on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients, President Rodrigo Duterte said in his report to Congress Monday.

“The DOH, through its Advancing Health through Evidence-Assisted Decisions with Health Policy and System Research, has allocated P18 million for Avigan Trials,” the report said.

According to the report, there are already three sites identified for the trials. It, however, did not specify the locations.

Avigan, a drug developed in Japan, which is used to treat influenza reportedly yielded positive results in treating COVID-19 patients in China, especially those with mild symptoms.

The DOH earlier said the antiviral drug will be tested on at least 100 COVID-19 patients.

The Japanese government will provide the supply of the drug, DOH added.

Previously, Duterte discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe the said antiviral drug which may possibly cure the respiratory disease.

To date, there are 12,718 cases of COVID-19 in the country, with  831 fatalities and 2,729 recoveries.

JPV