Philippines to start clinical trials on ivermectin, other drugs for Covid-19

A pharmacist holds the anti-parasite drug ivermectin, which the Philippines will begin clinical trial for patients with Covid-19 to determine their efficacy in combatting the coronavirus. - Reuters

MANILA, April 20 (Reuters): The Philippines will begin clinical trial of several drugs, including the anti-parasite medication ivermectin, in patients with Covid-19 to determine their efficacy in combatting the coronavirus, a senior government official said.

Some politicians in the Philippines have started promoting the use of ivermectin for coronavirus and given out free doses, although the country's food and drugs regulator has cautioned against the use because of a lack of evidence for the drug as a treatment.