The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has had patients undergo a clinical trial of virgin coconut oil as an agent against the COVID-19 virus, more than a month since the initiative began.
According to Science Sec. Fortunato dela Pena, whose department had to partner with two treatment facilities to reach the target of 90 patients in the trial.
Remember, the May 1 VCO clinical trial of DOST begins in Sta. Rosa Community Hospital in Laguna. “The arrival of patients is relatively slow and so we cannot still meet the 90 recommended number of patients to be enrolled.”
“What we did was to include two other hospitals or centers that have patients. Fortunately, (The) Medical City has set up just two weeks ago a facility in Sta. Rosa, and they agreed that they would participate. And also the quarantine center of Sta. Rosa will also be a source of patients. ”
DOST hopes to increase the number of patients participating in the clinical trial, following the UP Manila Ethics Board’s approval to join the Philippine General Hospital.
“The period of giving the VCO in PGH is only 14 days, to test whether it has good effect on patient. They (PGH) are planning for 100 patients (to undergo clinical trial). ”
“Half will be on VCO, half will be not be given the VCO. For comparison purposes. ”
Aside from this oil, DOST is also preparing trials on some products.
“We are trying some natural products that can be therapeutics or can speed up the recoveries of our COVID-19 patients. We have started already the formulations that will be tested initially invitro for our “tawa-tawa” and “lagundi”, which has been known to cure for other viral related diseases. ”
The agency has also partnered with several institutions in China and Taiwan for vaccine trials.