MANILA, Philippines — The country’s Food and Drug Administration will take the lead in going after the illegal traders of anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, Malacañang said on Wednesday. The FDA made little progress in its investigation into the illegal use of smuggled COVID-19 vaccine jabs in late 2020. Health authorities also warned against taking ivermectin beyond its authorized use. At least two hospitals in the country have been given compassionate special permit (CSP) to use ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients. The president also directed the Presidential Management Staff to give him weekly updates on ivermectin studies and FDA-related clearance, Roque added.

Source: Philippine Star April 21, 2021 06:56 UTC