Ivermectin distribution still prohibited: FDA chief

MANILA – Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo on Thursday clarified that the distribution of anti-parasitic Ivermectin remains illegal even though the medicine was granted a compassionate special permit.

In a radio interview, Domingo noted that the hospital which applied for and was granted the compassionate permit for the use of Ivermectin would be allowed to import it via a licensed importer.

“Meron siyang licensed importer na magi-import para sa kaniya nitong gamot na ito na rehistrado sa ibang bansa (The hospital has a licensed importer registered in other countries). The doctor takes full responsibility for the product,” Domingo said.

He added that the concerned doctors would be obliged to list down the patients who will be taking the drug for treatment against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), monitor them, and report the drug’s effects to the FDA.

In a Laging Handa briefing, Domingo noted that Ivermectin is an “investigational product” and clinical trials on its use to prevent Covid-19 are ongoing.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier warned that the distribution and promotion of Ivermectin as a treatment for coronavirus in humans is a violation of the law.

The FDA had earlier approved Ivermectin only for animal use to prevent heartworm disease and treat parasite infestation and not for treatment of Covid-19.