Gov’t stops clinical trials of ivermectin

UNPROVEN CLAIMS Ivermectin tablets have not been proven to cure COVID-19. —FILE PHOTO

A study aimed at determining the efficacy and safety of the antiparisitic drug ivermectin on COVID-19 patients has been terminated, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said on Friday.

On the recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH) and the governing council of the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, the supposed clinical trials will be discontinued due to delays in the project, lack of clinical benefits of ivermectin based on recent studies and the availability of effective therapeutics for the early phase of COVID-19.

“One of the deciding factors here is the recommendation of DOH to terminate the trials,” De la Peña said in a taped report, adding that the decision was reached during a meeting on May 11.

In April 2021, the two agencies expressed their support in conducting the local clinical study on ivermectin to provide data on its safety and efficacy in treating COVID.

Science Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said the use of the drug as medication became a public clamor despite the lack of scientific evidence.

Dr. Tony Leachon, a health reform advocate, has criticized the use of the drug, saying that it must not be prescribed to COVID-19 patients if there is no scientific basis and regulatory approval.

No benefit for COVID-19

During a recent Laging Handa briefing, National Task Force Against COVID-19 adviser Ted Herbosa confirmed that the study, which has been terminated, showed no benefits for COVID-19 patients who tried the antiparisitic drug.

“[The clinical trial] has been stopped. There is no need to study it further because there is wide proof that there is no difference between those who had ivermectin against those who did not,” he added.

In a clinical trial published in March, the New England Journal of Medicine supported the warning of medical experts against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment

The latest clinical trial published on March 30 in The New England Journal of Medicine backed warnings by medical experts against the use of ivermectin for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

The research conducted between March and August 2021 examined the efficacy of the drug among patients in various public health clinics.

“In this randomized trial, the administration of ivermectin did not result in a lower incidence of medical admission to a hospital or prolonged emergency department observation for COVID-19 among outpatients at high risk for serious illness,” the researchers said. INQ