SENATE President Vicente Sotto III yesterday expressed suspicion that big pharmaceutical companies are trying to block the use of the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19.
In a press conference, Sotto said he is wondering why the Food and Drug Administration is taking too long in approving the use of ivermectin while the drug has been approved in some countries to treat or prevent COVID-19.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia have allowed the use ivermectin in clinical trials. South Africa is allowing its limited use to treat COVID-19.
The World Health Organization recommends its use only in clinical trials as it has repeatedly said current evidence on ivermectin’s use to treat COVID-19 patients is “inconclusive.”
The Department of Science and Technology is set to start clinical trials on ivermectin next month. President Duterte, who ordered the DOST trial, said on Wednesday night he hopes the drug could be of some use against COVID-10.
FDA Director General Eric Domingo last month said the FDA is neither pro nor anti-ivermectin, and appealed to the pubic to listen to experts and wait for the trials to be completed. The FDA, as of May 5, has granted compassionate special permits (CSPs) to six private hospitals for the use ivermectin as COVID-19 treatment. The permit is granted only to those who apply for it.
Sotto said other countries have been using ivermectin. He did not say which.
“May mga bansa na approved na ito. May mga bansa na gumagamit, may mga doctor na nagre-recommend nito. Dati naman nasa formulary ng FDA yan; ewan ko bakit inalis.
Meron naman for human consumption pero pinipilit nila pang-hayop (There are countries which have approved it. There are countries which use it, there are doctors who recommend it. The drug has been in the formulary of the FDA before and I’m wondering which it was taken off. There is an ivermectin for human consumption and yet they insist that it is for animals),”
Sotto said.
The FDA, in Advisory No. 2021-0526, said ivermectin products registered in the country for human use are “for the treatment of external parasites such as head lice and skin conditions such as rosacea.” The others are “veterinary products which are approved for use in animals for the prevention of heartworm disease and treatment of internal and external parasites in certain animal species.”
Sotto said, “Posible na may pumipigil kasi ang mga big pharma companies iba ang gamot nila, ang mamahal, ito mura pa (It is possible that there are some who are trying to block its use because big pharmaceutical companies have different (possible) COVID-19 treatment which are very expensive if you compare it with ivermectin which is very affordable),” he added.
He also said the FDA should consider the testimonies of people who are taking the drug, including him.
“Marami naman gamot ang hindi dumadaan sa FDA pero bakit init na init sila sa ivermectin .. .Ang ibig ko sabihin kung gustong gumamit nito ay bayaan nilang gumamit (There are several medicines which have not yet been approved by the FDA and I am wondering why it is singling out ivermectin… For me, if an individual wants to take the drug then he or she should be allowed),” he said. He did not name any medicine not approved by the FDA.
Sotto said he has been taking ivermectin for several weeks now and he has not felt any adverse reaction, the same with others taking it.
Sotto also said ivermectin is effective, there might be no need for people to be vaccinated.
Sotto said he is planning to deliver a privilege speech when the Senate resumes sessions on May 17 so a Senate committee hearing can be conducted.
The President, during the Talk to the People on Wednesday night, said some doctors are putting their integrity and reputation on the line by endorsing and prescribing ivermectin, “so there has to be some truth in it.”
“I am praying that Ivermectin could be of use… palliative… I am hoping that it will turn out that way that we can use it…,” he said.
He ordered the DOST to conduct clinical trials amid the clamor by politicians and some groups for government to allow its use.
Science Secretary Fotunato dela Peña, in his report to the President on Wednesday, said the DOH allocated P22 million for the trial which will begin next month and last for six to eight months.
He said the trial will be led by Dr. Aileen Wang of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital and will involve 1,200 volunteers who are at least 18 years old, asymptomatic and non-severe (mild to moderate) COVID-19 patients.
“Ito po inaasahan natin na makakapag-provide ng data sa efficacy, safety and the effect on the viral clearance of Ivermectin among asymptomatic and non-severe Filipino patients (We expect this to provide data on the efficacy, safety, and effect on the viral clearance of Ivermectin among asymptomatic and non-severe Filipino patients,” Dela Peña said. — With Jocelyn Montemayor
