MANILA – Clinical trials to test the effectiveness of Avigan, made by Fujifilm of Japan, against the new coronavirus disease 2019, will soon begin in the country, according the Department of Health.
At total of 100 COVID -19 patients will be among those who will be part of the clinical trials, said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual press conference.
Japan will provide enough anti-flu drug for clinical trials on its efficacy against the COVID -19, she added.
DOH is already formulating guidelines on which hospitals will conduct the trial as she stressed that the consent of the patients are necessary for the trial, she further said.
Japan has been conducting clinical studies into Avigan, also known as favipiravir, after scientists suggested it had been effective in treating COVID-19 patients.
“Patuloy po ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa Japan para sa supply of this drug which is Avigan na ipapadala po nila. Nakapagbigay na sila ng go-signal dahil po dito,” Vergeire said.
Based on the latest data from the DOH, the Philippines has a cumulative 9,684 confirmed COVID-19 cases including 637 deaths, and 1,408 recoveries./PN
