MANILA, Philippines — Clinical trials for Japan’s antiviral drug Avigan on COVID-19 patients in the Philippines will start on Monday, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the Avigan tablets would be given to 100 patients coronavirus patients in the country for nine months.
“Maguumpisa tayo ngayon then after 9 months magsubmit ng resulta,” Vergeire told reporters in an online media forum. (We will begin today then after nine months we will submit the result.)
The trials will start in four hospitals, namely, the Philippine General Hospital, Sta. Ana Hospital, Dr. Jose M. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center.
The government has set aside at least P18 million for the Avigan trials.
Avigan reportedly yielded positive results in treating COVID-19 patients in China, especially those with mild symptoms. [ac]