The Philippines will run clinical trials on the use of Ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment, Science and Technology Sec. Fortunato dela Peña said Monday.
The trials could run for at least six months, which could go faster depending on the number of trial participants, Dela Peña told President Rodrigo Duterte.
Trials are also underway on the use of virgin coconut oil and lagundi leaves to treat symptoms of the virus, he said.
Dela Peña said he hoped the trials would give "reliable estimates" on the efficacy of Ivermectin as an antiviral.
Advocated by politicians, Ivermectin is an antiparasite that is used both in animals and humans to treat head lice and stomach worms among others.
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The Food and Drug Administration recently allowed at least one hospital to use Ivermectin on COVID-19 patients on grounds of "compassionate use."
Advocates of Ivermectin are pushing for the drug to fight COVID-19 as virus variants fueled a surge in infections. Last week, the Philippines crossed the 900,000-mark in terms of total cases.