Jakarta. The National Food and Drug Control Agency, or BPOM, has given the green light to perform scientific trials on the use of anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin to treat Covid-19 patients.
In a main declaration launched in March, the World Health Company (WHO) encouraged Ivermectin to be just used for Covid-19 treatments within clinical trials.
” BPOM is on the very same page as WHO by assisting in an instant scientific trial initiated by the Health Ministry’s Research and Advancement Firm. This makes it possible for immediate, broad public access to the drug within medical trials,” BPOM head Cent Lukito said in a statement on Monday.
According to Cent, a number of worldwide publications have actually shown Ivermectin’s use for Covid-19 treatments. She, nevertheless, cautioned its existing use is limited to scientific trials in accordance with WHO’s guidelines.
Other drug control authorities with great regulative systems– such as the United States Fda (FDA) in addition to European Medicines Agency (EMA)– are likewise similar, as the present medical trial data on Ivermectin as a Covid-19 drug is still undetermined, she stated.
Doctors can recommend Ivermectin to those who are in requirement of the drug, but not a part of the clinical trial. They, however, must ensure its usage complies with the authorized procedures for clinical trials.
About eight healthcare facilities will take part in the scientific trials to see the efficacy and security of Ivermectin for Covid-19, including RSUD dr. Soedarso in Pontianak and RSUP H. Adam Malik in Medan.
6 Jakarta-based hospitals will participate the testing, namely RSUP Persahabatan, RSUP Prof. Dr. Sulianti Saroso, RSPAD Gatot Soebroto, RSAU Dr. Esnawan Antariksa, RS dr. Suyoto or the Defense Ministry’s rehabilitation center, and RSDC Wisma Atlet.
BPOM will continue to keep tabs on the clinical trial and its results. BPOM will likewise keep an eye out for the most recent information on Ivermectin by communicating with the WHO and other drug authorities, Cent noted.
” For security, BPOM cautions the general public versus acquiring Ivermectin without a doctor’s prescription, consisting of purchasing it via an online platform,” she stated.
Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) chairman Daeng M Faqih welcomed BPOM’s approval on Ivermectin medical trials. He stated “this is in line with WHO and the US FDA suggestions.”
According to State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Indonesia is all set to produce approximately 4.5 million tablets a month if the clinical trial shows positive results.
” If it is good for all of us, we will enhance the production,” he stated.
The minister also ensured enough products for other medications such as Oseltamivir, Favipiravir and Remdesivir. As for Covid-19 shots, the government is likewise sparing no efforts to protect vaccine supply be it from other countries or establishing a homegrown vaccine commonly known as the “Merah Putih” vaccine.
” We handled to immunize 1.3 million individuals within a day recently. We need to keep this up,” Erick said.
