Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 10) – The Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Saturday that a “health technology” assessment is needed before procuring the new COVID-19 treatment drug Ronapreve.
“It will need a positive recommendation from the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) and Living CPG (Clinical Practice Guidelines) before the government procures the drug,” the agency said in a statement.
The Health department added they are consulting with experts to update the Living CPG in using treatment drugs like Ronapreve in managing COVID-19 patients.
The DOH emphasized that the “health technology” assessment must be completed before hospitals can order Ronapreve through the government.
The government is the only entity allowed to procure Ronapreve, which cannot be sold in the market, the health agency said.
Last Oct. 7, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization to Ronapreve for COVID-19 treatment, especially to confirmed mild to moderate patients aged 12 and above with a minimum weight of 40 kilograms who do not need supplemental oxygen and are at high risk of progressing to severe cases.
FDA chief Eric Domingo said based on early clinical trial results, the monoclonal antibody drug could reduce risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 by at least 70%.
Ronapreve is being developed by foreign biotechnology firms Regeneron and Roche. It is also currently approved for emergency use in a number of countries, including the United States, India, and Canada.
