Philippines readies for clinical drug of Japanese drug Avigan vs COVID-19

May 1, 2020

The Philippines is set to participate in the clinical trials for the Japanese drug, Avigan.

In a televised press briefing Thursday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they are  preparing the protocol in the clinical trial of Avigan as treatment for COVID-19.

"This clinical trial is being launched by the Japanese government and is being done in collaboration with other countries in a bid to gain information on Avigan, much like the WHO Solidarity Trial," said Vergeire.

"We are currently studying the protocol with the Philippine General Hospital for the forthcoming launch of the trial to make sure that we will be using the right process," she furthered.

Vergeire said they have previously expressed the country's interest in participating in the clinical trials for Avigan.

"We are just waiting for the official word of the Japanese government if the Philippines is among the first batch of countries to receive this medicine for influenza," said Vergeire. DMS