Manila LGU purchases remdesivir vials for treatment of COVID-19 patients

MANILA, Philippines — The City of Manila’s local government was able to purchase 2,000 vials of remdesivir, an antiviral drug that may be used in treating coronavirus-infected patients, Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna announced on Thursday.

According to Moreno, they started ordering remdesivir when they found out that health facilities in the United States are using the said drug to help COVID-19 patients recover faster.

The 2,000 vials of remdesivir — which is administered by health professionals through an intravenous infusion — costs around P13 million.

“Tonight, we’re happy to inform you, we bought a very expensive product sa abroad, the same product — remdesivir.  Tayo po ay bumili ng 2,000 vials na remdesivir na ginagamit na rin sa ibang bansa,” Moreno said in a briefing with Lacuna.

“Nalulugod po kami na ipaalam sa inyo ang development na ito sapagkat ito ay makatutulong sa humigit-kumulang isang libo na lamang na pasyente sa ating lungsod, at halos ilang daan na lamang sa ating anim na public hospitals,” he added.

Moreno was also quick to clarify that the remdesivir is not the much-anticipated COVID-19 vaccine and that it does not guarantee recovery from the disease.  Lacuna — a doctor by profession — explaining that the drug that is administered only in hospitals shortens the timeframe of the sickness while helping people to recover faster.

“Dati po ‘yong remdesivir ay ginagamit sa Ebola virus.  Ngayon early this year po napag-aralan po ng gumawa ng gamot na ito na baka pe-pwede rin po siya sa coronavirus,” Lacuna said.

“Ang sabi po nila, napapa-iksi po nito ‘yong panahon na pagkakaroon ng sakit, at nababawasan po ‘yong mga sintomas, dahil po sa mga ganitong nagagawa ng remdesivir ay minabuti po ng atin pong mayor na lahat ng anim na ospital natin ay magkaroon na po tayo ng remdesivir,” she added.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health noted last July 2 that the effects of the remdesivir were a positive sign, but one that is not yet conclusive.  Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that some of the patients who took the drug spent less time under critical care.

In the European Union, the use of remdesivir in treating COVID-19 patients was authorized a day after. [ac]