By MB Online
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Saturday said the Philippines' participation in the global clinical trials for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine will improve the chance of the country in securing the vaccine when it becomes available.
"Ang isa rin po kasing magandang strategy ay sumali tayo sa clinical trial pa lamang, unang una masusubukan na natin siya sa mga Pilipino kung maganda ang epekto niya," FDA Director-General Eric Domingo said in an interview with DZBB.
"At the same time, siyempre, kung participant tayo sa pag-develop ng isang bakuna, 'yung kumpanya siyempre mas maganda rin ang chance na uunahin tayo," he continued.
Domingo also mentioned that President Duterte has already been talking to other countries about the country's access to vaccines should these become available.
"Para po 'pag na-develop na rin ang gamot magiging mas madali ang access natin dito," he said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier said that 70 companies and universities all over the world are currently conducting their research for a COVID-19 vaccine, he noted.
Meanwhile, he also said the country planned to join WHO's Solidarity Trial.
The Department of Science and Technology earlier said it is looking to produce vaccines locally together with international partners should its clinical trials turn out successful.