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DOST exec: Clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines in Philippines seen to start by December


The clinical trials of potential COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines may start in December, according to an official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Monday, DOST Philippine Council for Health Research Development executive director Jaime Montoya said the start of trials would depend on the compliance of manufacturers.

“Ang ating prediction, mga December. Kasi po ang Solidarity Trial, halimbawa, ay talagang ang sinabi ng World Health Organization ay December po 'yan magsisimula,” he said.

“Ito pong ibang mga aplikasyon natin, hindi natin masabi. Baka December din po magsimula. Depende po 'yan kung gaano kabilis nila masasagot 'yung mga tanong ng ating mga eksperto at FDA,” he added.

Aside from the potential COVID-19 vaccines under the WHO Solidarity Trial, Montoya said that five manufacturers have applied to conduct clinical trials of their products in the Philippines:

  • Sinovac from China
  • Janssen
  • Sputnik V from Russia
  • Clover Biopharmaceuticals
  • AstraZeneca

In order for a potential vaccine to conduct clinical trials in the country, it has to secure clearance from a panel of vaccine experts under DOST.

Then, it would also need approval from the Ethics Board and the Food and Drug Administration.

Food and Administration Director General and Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said only Sinovac has been cleared so far by the vaccine expert panel. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News

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