As of 23 April 2026, the HTA Council has completed the evidence appraisal on the assessment of the following drugs for their respective indications, for possible government financing:

• For treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
  • Paroxetine [20 mg tablet and 20 mg film-coated tablet]
• For treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • Paroxetine [20 mg tablet and 20 mg film-coated tablet]
  • Vortioxetine [5mg, 10mg, 20mg film-coated tablet]
• For adjunctive treatment of MDD
  • Brexpiprazole [1mg, 2mg, 3mg, 4mg film-coated tablet]

The health technologies were reviewed vis-à-vis the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marketing authorization status, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) [local and approved by the Department of Health (DOH), such as the DOH Omnibus Health Guidelines (OHG); and/or international CPGs adopted by the relevant local medical society], and existing recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, a cost analysis on the use of the health technologies were performed.

The HTA Council hereby releases its preliminary recommendations on the said health technologies for stakeholder feedback and comments from 23 April 2026 (Thursday) to 08 May 2026 (Friday). 

Paroxetine for PTSD

As a preliminary recommendation, the HTA Council recommends the government financing of  Paroxetine [20 mg tablet  and 20 mg film-coated tablet]as a treatment option for 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.

Paroxetine and Vortioxetine for MDD

As a preliminary 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 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 (SSRI). 

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.

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 the supporting evidence reviewed and discussed by the HTA Council, please refer to the document below.

All comments, inputs, and/or appeals on the above preliminary recommendation may be submitted until 08 May 2026 (Friday), for the consideration of the HTA Council, through email at hta@dost.gov.ph. Please use the prescribed form for appeals indicated in the official HTA Philippines website [https://hta.dost.gov.ph/appeals-2/]. Appeals not following the prescribed format, and those submitted beyond the deadline shall not be entertained.