Clinical trial of Japanese antiflu drug Avigan in PH set

MANILA, Philippines — After much delay, the clinical trial of the Japanese antiflu drug Avigan may already begin within the week, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told reporters on Monday that the clinical trial agreement between the DOH and the University of the Philippines Manila had already been signed last week.

The Avigan trial was earlier slated to begin in mid-July but was delayed as legal arrangements were finalized. The Japanese government delivered in early August tablets enough for use by 100 patients.

In late September, Avigan’s manufacturer Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co. said it would seek Japan’s regulatory approval following the results of its clinical trial that showed the drug helped shorten the recovery time of patients.

Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo earlier said that the antiflu drug might soon be cleared for public use if it gets regulatory approval from Japan as a treatment for COVID-19 patients.

The DOH logged an additional 2,291 cases Monday, bringing the national tally to 324,762.

The total number of COVID-19 survivors rose to 273,123 with the recovery of 87 patients. The death toll, however, increased to 5,840 as 64 patients succumbed to the severe respiratory disease.