Philippines, Japan at initial coordination stage for Avigan COVID-19 trial

The Philippines and Japan are in the initial stages of coordination for potential clinical trials of the Japanese flu drug Avigan, which may be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire confirmed during a Laging Handa briefing that an agreement has been made with the Japanese government but the arrangement is still in its early stages.

During a virtual summit on April 15, President Rodrigo Duterte and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed Avigan, after which Duterte expressed readiness for the Philippines to participate in clinical trials of the drug.