Avigan clinical trials could start next week

October 9, 2020

After delays, the anticipated clinical trials for the Japanese flu drug, Avigan, in the Philippines for COVID-19 patients will hopefully start next week.

"We already gave the go-signal to the proponents. They are now going to start recruiting participants for the trial," said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire in a virtual press briefing Friday.

"Once recruitment is completed, Next week, hopefully, we can officially start already," she added.

Vergeire said there is a legal issue the Department of Health is ironing out.

"We are just lacking (approval) on the insurance. There was a minor comment by our legal services regarding the insurance document," said Vergeire.

The clinical trial for Avigan as a COVID-19 treatment has yet to start despite the arrival of the tablets for 100 patients in early August.

Earlier identified as sites for the Avigan clinical trials are the Philippine General Hospital, Sta Ana Hospital, Dr Jose N Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center. DMS