The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has approved a P9.8-million project for the clinical trials of melatonin as a supplementary treatment for COVID-19.
The announcement was made by DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena during the DOST Report program on the DOSTv Facebook page on Friday.
According to dela Pena, initial studies have shown that melatonin improved outcomes in patients admitted to the Manila Doctors Hospital with COVID-19 pneumonia and high-risk features.
“Melatonin is a safe, commonly available, and affordable supplement worldwide,” he said.
The clinical trial, which has been approved by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), will make use of “high dose melatonin.”
The project will be undertaken by a team from Manila Doctors Hospital for four months and will involve 350 patients led by Dr. Rafael Castillo.
The science and technology secretary said that other hospitals will be involved and that it will start anytime now.
“Results of the project are expected to contribute to national and international guidelines on life-saving drugs and therapy that can impact mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia patients,” he said. (Dhel Nazario)
