FDA investigating mass distribution of ivermectin

Senior citizens of Barangay Matandang Balara in Quezon City receive Ivermectin capsules distributed by Representatives Mike Defensor and Rodante Marcoleta on Thursday, April 29. The DOH on Wednesday reiterated that only hospitals that had been granted special permits could use the veterinary antiparasitic drug ivermectin on CoVid19 patients. (INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the mass distribution of the anti-parasitic dug ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment and prevention initiated by two lawmakers.

Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor and Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta led the distribution of ivermectin capsules to Quezon City residents even as the drug has yet to be approved  for human use from the FDA, either as treatment for COVID-19 or as prophylaxis.

“Over the weekend, the FDA received several reports from social media, sa ating mga from] news outlet, pictures, report ng mga pasyente [from patients], and even professional groups showing that there may have been lapses or violations of the regulatory procedures,” FDA Director-General Eric Domingo said in a press conference of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) on Monday.

“Yun pong regulatory enforcement unit ng FDA is investigating these complaints and, of course, meron naman po tayong due process na pagdadaanan at aaksyonan po natin batay po sa ating mga magiging findings,” he added.

(The FDA’s regulatory enforcement unit is investigating these complaints and, of course, this will undergo due process and we will act on it according to the findings.)

The Food and Drug Administration central office

Domingo stressed that both the FDA and the Department of Health (DOH) do not recommend the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment or prevention due to “insufficient scientific evidence.”

While ivermectin has yet to receive approval, the FDA, however, issued compassionate special permits to five hospitals.

But the DOH has maintained that the anti-parasitic drug should only be for hospital use.

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