DOST prepping for COVID-19 vaccine trials –Dela Peña

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has started preparations for the COVID-19 vaccine trials in the country, Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said Sunday.

According to Dano Tingcungco’s Sunday report on “24 Oras Weekend,” the DOST will hold a dry run for the cold chain transport of possible COVID-19 vaccines to clinical trial sites.

“When the World Health Organization announces kung ano ‘yung mga bakuna saka ano ‘yung protocol and then imo-mobilize na natin ‘yung ating mga trial teams,” Dela Peña said.

“The next step is really to prepare na ‘yung mga facilities na kailangan at saka ‘yung magre-recruit na ng mga volunteers,” he added.

Twelve hospitals across Metro Manila, Cavite, Cebu City, and Davao City will serve as trial sites.

The DOST will also form a data and safety monitoring committee to oversee volunteers.

Dela Peña added that the department is coordinating with pharmaceutical companies.

“‘Yung mga kausap namin na ‘yun are ‘yung mga developers ng vaccine na in-approach natin base sa mga existing bilateral agreements ng Philippines with their country for collaboration in science and technology. Although meron ding lumapit on their own para i-trial dito ‘yung kanilang bakuna,” he said.

“Ang under review lang ay ‘yung pumirma na ng data confidentiality agreement at nag-submit na ng data so mayroong anim na pumirma. There are three who have started submitting their data on the trials,” Dela Peña added.

The WHO earlier said a COVID-19 vaccine may be ready by the end of the year.  — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News