Covaxin delivery to follow submission of regulatory requirements —Philippine envoy

Published May 03, 2021 03:28 PM By CONSUELO MARQUEZ,GMA News

The government is still waiting for the submission of regulatory requirements from India's Bharat Biotech before its COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, would be delivered to the Philippines, Philippine Ambassador to India Ramon Bagatsing said Monday.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Bagatsing said the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requiring one document from the Indian vaccine manufacturer for the "full approval" of the vaccine. He did not elaborate about the kind of document.

Bagatsing further pointed out that the Department of Finance is also requiring documents from Bharat Biotech for the "review of its pricing scheme."

"If those two hurdles are settled then orders can be made and shipment can follow," he said.

The country has secured about 8 million doses of Covaxin

, which already received emergency use authorization from the FDA. Bagatsing previously said the vaccine, which has an efficacy rate of 92% to 95%, may be delivered by the end of May. 

Meanwhile, Bagatsing reiterated that about 30 million doses of Novavax's vaccine, Covavax, will be shipped to the Philippines by September.

The FDA has yet to issue an emergency use authority on Novavax's vaccine, which is made by India's Serum Institute.

Bagatsing also assured the Philippines that the Indian government did not impose a ban on exportation of their vaccines amid the surge of COVID-19 cases there.

"Upon discussions with importers, it is clear that with our country's approval, they can deliver at the soonest possible time," Bagatsing said in mixed Filipino and English.

Currently, Bagatsing said India is already on its phase three for COVID-19 mass vaccination, which is the inoculation of 18 years old and above. --KBK, GMA News

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