(CNN Philippines) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) — Another study on the impact of virgin coconut oil on suspected COVID-19 patients has yet to hit its target number of volunteers, a Cabinet official said on Friday.

The clinical trial in Valenzuela City that targeted 120 volunteers has 29 participants, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said, with 10 undergoing interventions while 19 completed the program. There were an initial 35 participants but six backed out.

“As of the first week of June, the ongoing project entitled “Beneficial effects of VCO tested among suspect and probable cases of COVID-19” that is being implemented in Valenzuela City has 35 qualified subjects out of the 120 target participants,” he said during an episode of DOST Report.

The study stemmed from the clinical trial last year by researchers of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute in Laguna which found VCO can ease symptoms of suspected COVID-19 patients.