The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) continues its commitment to provide research-based solutions and innovations in health through its press conference Talakayang HeaRT Beat with the theme, “Health Research and Technology” held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City on 16 December 2019.
The first anti-dengue drug and anti-inflammatory herbal drugs formulated by Pharmalytics Corporation, led by Dr. Rita Grace Y. Alvero, were showcased at the event.
The dengue research and anti-inflammatory herbal drugs are part of the DOST’s Tuklas Lunas program to produce world-class medicines derived from Philippine biodiversity.
The first anti-dengue drug is also the first of its kind as it is a definitive cure for dengue. The formulation is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of three herbal medicines available locally.
The preclinical stage of the Anti-Dengue Drug Development program started in 2012, followed by a formulation study and animal safety analysis. The program concluded its first-in-human study or phase 1 trial in 2019. Subsequent studies for safety and efficacy are projected to be completed by 2022.
Meanwhile, the formulation of anti-inflammatory herbal drugs is one out of the seven project components of Discovery and Development of Health Products – Formulations program.
Under Phase I of the program, Pharmalytics Corporation formulated five plant samples with anti-inflammatory activity. The five formulations will undergo animal safety analysis and subsequently, phase 1 trials if animal studies demonstrate favorable results.
