AdvocatesTV • April 15, 2020
Philippines to participate in clinical trials for potential COVID-19 treatment
Photo Credit: Presidential Photographers/PCOO
President Rodrigo Duterte has signified his intention to have the country work with Japan on clinical trials for potential COVID-19 treatments.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, spokesperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force of the Management on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID), said the president had discussed the matter with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“The President had an exchange with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding this drug, and during the meeting reiterated that the Philippines is ready to participate in clinical trials of potential vaccines like Avigan,” Nograles said.
The Japanese company Fujifilm is reportedly studying the possible use of its anti-flu medicine Avigan as a potential COVID-19 treatment in the United States. It has also expanded its manufacturing capacity to increase production of Avigan.
Duterte also participated in a video-conference with other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday.
The ASEAN leaders shared their experiences and best practices in the fight against COVID-19. They discussed such concerns as boosting the production and intra-ASEAN trade of vital medical equipment; food security; vaccine research and development; as well as preparations for future outbreaks.
They also discussed the cooperation among ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea in prioritizing the production of medical supplies and the creation of regional reserves.
