FDA ‘exploring possibilities’ in expanding drug list for emergency use vs COVID

FDA chief and DOH Usec. Eric Domingo

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is “exploring possibilities” on the expansion of the list of drugs for emergency use (DEU) against COVID-19, the agency’s director-general Eric Domingo said Thursday.

Domingo made the remark during the hearing of the House committee of good government and public accountability where lawmakers quizzed the FDA over its regulations and policies on COVID-19 drug registration, distribution, and sale.

“We are exploring possibilities,” Domingo said when asked if the FDA can widen the DEU for COVID-19 to allow more drugs to enter the country.

The FDA official said registration of drugs will be based on the Philippine COVID-19 Living Recommendations or the document which provides an up-to-date review of scientific evidence and consolidated recommendation from various medical societies and institutions on the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of COVID-19.

“Pwede naman nating tingnan kung paano i-expand yung DEU. As of now, in-expand po natin siya to the leading guidelines na maraming grupo ang kasama and I hope that more groups will be able to join it para maisama doon sa guidelines…” Domingo said.

Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy underscored that medicines should be made available and accessible in the Philippines.

“It’s important that we make all medicines available and accessible kasi doctors din naman ang magde-desisyon kung ano ang gagamitin nila for a particular patient,” Herrera-Dy said.

“I don’t think we should limit it but of course kayo po ang experts diyan,” she added.

/MUF