Philippines begins Avigan clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment

The Philippine government said Tuesday that it has begun clinical trials for Japanese anti-flu drug Avigan to see whether it would be effective in treating COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.The trials come as the Philippines is also conducting clinical trials for remdesivir, used in the treatment of Ebola, as well as interferon, an anti-viral agent, to treat COVID-19 patients.The government said earlier that 18 million pesos ($367,000) has been allotted for the Avigan trials, with at least three health care facilities eyed to administer the drugs to 80 to 100 people.Health…READ FULL ARTICLE