MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday urged the public to wait for the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision regarding the use of the anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin on humans.
This comes amid growing claims that Ivermectin is effective in preventing or treating COVID-19, with some physicians even appealing to the government to make it available to coronavirus patients who are unable to secure spaces in jam-packed hospitals.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said that while there is yet sufficient evidence to support these claims, there is already an application with the FDA for its “compassionate use.”
As of now, the anti-parasitic drug is commercially available only in veterinary grade in the country.
“Ang ating pakiusap, antayin na lang natin kasi mabilisan naman ‘yang decision ng FDA na ‘yan. Hindi naman magtatagal ‘yan,” he said in a Palace briefing.
(Our appeal to the public is to wait for the FDA decision on its compassionate use. It will not take too long.)
“Ito naman ay para sa ating interes din, dahil kinakailangan mapatunayan na mabisa at epektibo at ligtas ang gamot na ito para sa COVID-19,” he added.
(This is for our own good because we need to make sure that the drug is safe and effective against COVID-19.)
Roque’s plea likewise comes after Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor said he will be giving away free Ivermectin to Quezon City residents, especially senior citizens and sickly indoviduals.
DOH and FDA have maintained their position in discouraging the use of Ivermectin on humans since existing evidence does not support claims it can be used to address COVID-19.
READ: DOH, FDA: Recent trials indicate Ivermectin can’t treat COVID-19
A local pharma, Lloyd Laboratories, has applied for a certificate of product registration (CPR) of Ivermectin for human use.