Date of submission of the HTAC Recommendation: 01 June 2026
Date of notification to HTAC on the SOH decision: 21 September 2026

The Secretary of Health (SOH) concurs with the final recommendation of the HTA Council on (1) Paroxetine [20 mg tablet and 20 mg film-coated tablet] and (2) Vortioxetine [5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg film-coated tablet] for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and (3) Paroxetine [20 mg tablet and 20 mg film-coated tablet] for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through Department of Health (DOH) Department Circular No. 2026-0442 “Inclusion of Paroxetine and Vortioxetine in the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF)” published on 17 August 2026, and amended on 28 August 2026 through DOH Department Circular 2026-0442-A “ Amendment to Department Circular (DC) No. 2026-0442 or the Inclusion of Paroxetine and Vortioxetine in the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF)”.

The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Council final recommendations are as follows:

Paroxetine and Vortioxetine for MDD

As a final recommendation, the HTA Council recommends the government financing of Paroxetine [20 mg tablet and 20mg film-coated tablet] and Vortioxetine [5mg, 10mg, 20mg film-coated tablet], as treatment options for adult patients with MDD who do not respond adequately or who have contraindications to other SSRIs.

Based on current guidelines, the abovementioned drugs are among the standards of care for the treatment of MDD. Additionally, paroxetine is more sedating and may be more advantageous in patients with MDD who are experiencing insomnia. Meanwhile, vortioxetine is non-sedating and may improve cognitive function, making it more suitable for working individuals and students. Additionally, it is less likely to adversely affect sexual drive compared with many commonly used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 

While paroxetine and vortioxetine are more expensive than the PNF-listed drugs, the  Council recognizes the need to expand treatment options for patients with MDD. Given that the response to these treatments are highly variable and require tailored regimens, multiple options are needed.

Paroxetine for PTSD

As a final recommendation, the HTA Council recommends the government financing of  Paroxetine [20 mg tablet and 20 mg film-coated tablet] as a treatment option for adult patients with PTSD who do not respond adequately to or have contraindications to other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 

Based on current guidelines, paroxetine is among the standards of care for the treatment of PTSD, and has the advantage of being more sedative than sertraline, the PNF-listed drug for the same indication. Of note, many PTSD patients have insomnia.

While paroxetine is more expensive than the PNF-listed drug, the HTA Council recognizes the need to expand treatment options for patients with PTSD. Given that the response to these treatments are highly variable and require tailored regimens, multiple options are needed.

Overall, the HTA Council recommends that the DOH and/or PhilHealth employ cost reduction mechanisms. 

Brexpiprazole  as adjunctive treatment of  MDD

Brexpiprazole as an adjunctive treatment to standard of care for MDD shall undergo a full assessment to assess and establish its added value to the standard of care. Accordingly, the HTA Council recommendation on its coverage will be released after the completion of its full assessment. 

For further details, please refer to the documents below: