Recently TrialSite reported that a Japanese pharmaceutical company, part of a large conglomerate known as Kowa Co. Ltd. Reported they were commencing a large 1000 patient Phase 3 clinical trial investigating the efficacy of ivermectin in COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms. With ambitious plans to end the study by the end of 2021 as reported in the Japanese press and apply for approval in early 2022, TrialSite questioned the feasibility of such an aggressive timeline. Yet now that same company has indicated to mainstream global media, including Reuters, that ivermectin showed an “antiviral effect” against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants in “joint non-clinical research” in partnership with Kitasato University, an academic medical center in Tokyo with a keen research interest in ivermectin as reported by TrialSite.

A substantially sized conglomerate with research and development ongoing, Kowa discloses publicly its Phase 3 program centering on ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19. While controversial in much of the developed world, particularly in pockets with strong global pharmaceutical industry clout, the drug has generated substantial controversy from multiple points of view.

Is this latest news snippet simply a tactic to create interest in their product nearing an end in Phase 3 clinical trials or a substantial finding in pre-clinical collaboration with Kitasato University? Only time will tell.

One thing for certain: Phase 3 clinical trials are expensive and Japanese pharmaceutical companies are serious and conservative. For those in the West attacking ivermectin as a horse-deworming drug only, particularly those aligned with major branded pharmaceutical interests, positive data out of Japan should open a few minds. But more data and transparency is needed then what has currently been leaked to the press. Therefore, most critics will remain that way.