MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is expecting the arrival of some 10,000 vials of the anti-inflammatory drug tocilizumab before the end of September.
Facade of the DOH main office in Manila. INQUIRER.net file photo
Tocilizumab is being used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
“Sabi sa akin ni Director Melissa Guerrero ng pharmaceutical division ng DOH, by September sana bago magtapos, ‘yung isang drug company ay makakapag-angkat yata ng mga 10,000 vials. Let’s cross our fingers na sana ito ay matuloy,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in an interview with DZBB.
(Director Melissa Guerrero of the pharmaceutical division of the DOH told me that by the end of September, a drug company may be able to source some 10,000 vials. Let’s cross our fingers that this will push through.)
Duque said that while the government awaits the delivery of tocilizumab vials, baricitinib, another anti-inflammatory drug can be used as a substitute for tocilizumab.
According to Duque, the government is now coordinating with the ambassador of Switzerland for the supply of tocilizumab amid the current surge of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.