At least 100 COVID-19 patients in the Philippines will be given the anti-flu drug Avigan from Japan as part of a clinical trial in treating coronavirus disease, said the Department of Health on Wednesday.

“Ito pong supply ng Avigan from Japan, ipapadala na po nila, may go signal na po na gawin ang clinical trial in the coming days. The Japanese government is providing supply for 100 patients,” said Rosario Vergeire, DOH Undersecretary.

“Ginagawa pa po namin ang protocol kung paano pipiliin ang mga ospital at kung sino sa mga pasyente ang isasali sa clinical trial. Kumukuha na po kami ng clearances [para sa Avigan] from different institutions sa ating bansa,” she added.

On the other hand, Vergeire is worried that the clinical trial is strictly voluntary on the part of the COVID-19 patient.

“Dahil po ito po ay clinical trial, the informed consent of the patient should be there,” said Vergeire.

So far, the Philippines has reported 9,684 COVID-19 cases. Out of this number, 1,408 have recovered while 637 others died.

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