THE Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, August 14, 2020, reminded the City Government of Manila that numerous requirements will have to be met before the supply of remdesivir that it acquired can be used as treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a virtual press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there is a need for doctors to secure the necessary compassionate special permit from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can prescribe this drug.

"Whenever remdesivir is used outside the clinical trials that we have now, they need to have a compassionate special permit, and on an individual basis," said Vergeire.

"For example, Patient A is in a hospital and his doctor must request for a compassionate special permit from the FDA to be able to use remdesivir," she added.

Vergeire also said the drug cannot be used by just any individual with Covid-19, but must be used in a hospital and with guidance from a physician.

Those provided with compassionate special permit are required to report any possible adverse effects.

The City of Manila has acquired 2,000 vials of remdesivir, an antiviral medication used to treat ebola which is now being used as an experimental treatment for Covid-19.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said remdesivir will be used to treat mild, moderate, and severe Covid-19 patients. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)