FOI release

FOI2021/00288: UK-CTAP Ivermectin

Some or all of the information requested was not provided because we didn't hold it.

Case reference FOI2021/00288

Published 3 September 2021

Request

Request Received: 10 June 2021

RE: FOI2021/00242: Freedom of Information request response

1.The Ivermectin meta-analysis reviewed at the meeting concludes that "This meta-analysis of 18 RCTs in 2282 patients showed a 75% improvement in survival, faster time to clinical recovery and signs of a dose-dependent effect of viral clearance for patients given ivermectin versus control treatment." And that "the current paucity of high-quality evidence only highlights the clear need for additional, higher-quality and larger-scale clinical trials, warranted to investigate the use of ivermectin further". I would like to know in what ways this meta-analysis "supported the panels original recommendation not to prioritise Ivermectin"?

2.The Merck statement on Ivermectin noted at UK-CTAP 10/02/2021 does not contain or cite any research about the efficacy of ivermectin for treatment of covid-19. Why was this statement reviewed at the meeting, who tabled this statement for consideration at the meeting, and what weight was given to this statement in the decisions made at that meeting.

Response

Response Sent: 23 June 2021

Following a search of our records we can confirm that UKRI do not hold recorded information relevant to your request. Additionally, your questions do not fall within the scope of FOIA as we are unable to provide comment, explanations or opinions. Specifically, with regard to part 1 of your request, the meta-analysis was not reviewed in isolation, but rather as part of a wider body of evidence and to make a comment on the role of a single meta-analysis would not reflect the deliberation of the panel. On part 2, the Merck statement was introduced as part of the emerging evidence base, as outlined in our earlier response (FOI2021/00242).

Please note that we only record decisions and not full minutes for the UK-CTAP meetings. We therefore do not hold any further records relevant to the request, as the information previously provided to you is all information we hold of relevance to the decisions regarding Ivermectin.

Documents

• FOI_Response_Letter_FOI2021_00288_Redacted.pdf (207.9 KB)

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