3 COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers apply for clinical trials in Philippines —DOST exec

At least three manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines have applied to conduct clinical trials in the country, according to an official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

In a public briefing on Thursday, Philippine Council for Health Research Development executive director Dr. Jaime Montoya said the manufacturers applied with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“As of today, may tatlo na pong nag-submit ng application for possible conduct of Phase 3 clinical trials sa ating bansa,” he said.

Montoya identified the vaccine products as Sputnik V, Janssen, and Sinovac.

Separate from these, he said more vaccines will undergo clinical trials in the country under the WHO (World Health Organization)Solidarity Trial. But, he said the WHO has not disclosed yet the vaccine products that will be tested.

Montoya said the COVID-19 vaccines will be available in the Philippine around the second quarter of 2021, based on the timeline of the WHO.

“The earliest na magkakaroon tayo ng supply ng bakuna sa Pilipinas ay some time in the second quarter of next year,” he said.—LDF, GMA News