13 more drugs VAT-exempt

MANILA, Philippines — Thirteen drugs for cancer and diabetes have been added to the list of essential medicines exempted from value-added tax or VAT, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Cancer drugs Capivasertib (160 milligram and 200 mg film-coated tablet), irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate (solution for intravenous infusion), irinotecan (concentrate solution for IV infusion) and Nilotinib (as hydrochloride monohydrate) have been included on the list.

Anti-diabetic medications Gemigliptin + Dapagliflozin and Semaglutide (solutions for injection) followed.

VAT-exempted drugs now total 2,242, the FDA said.