IATF OKs removing DOST from handling clinical trial applications –Vergeire

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved removing the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) from the review of clinical trial applications, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Friday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, Vergeire said the IATF approved the recommendation on the DOST on Thursday.

“The IATF resolved na babalik na po tayo doon sa dating proseso kung saan ang FDA na po ang muling tatanggap ng aplikasyon para po sa mga clinical trials including COVID-019 technologies dito sa ating bansa,” she said.

(The IATF resolved that we will go back to the original process where the Food and Drug Administration will be the one that will accept applications for clinical trials including COVID-19 technologies.)

According to Vergeire, since the COVID-19 pandemic, DOST experts joined the FDA in accepting applications for clinical trials. Now, the experts will be under the FDA.

The adjustment was made to make government processes efficient, she added. — DVM, GMA News