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

FILE PHOTO: A pharmacist holds the anti-parasite drug ivermectin for sale to the public with a medical prescription as Bolivia's Ministry of Health said it can be used under proper medical protocol, while noting the lack of evidence for it as a treatment for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Santa Cruz, Bolivia May 19, 2020. REUTERS/Rodrigo Urzagasti

MANILA (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.