Three other vaccine developers are interested in conducting a clinical trial in the Philippines for their respective coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said on Tuesday, May 25.
DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra said that the three vaccine developers have already submitted their COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial applications. These are West China Hospital and Sichuan University, Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co., and Eubiologics Co. Ltd.
"Evaluation of the first two new applications are ongoing, while Eubiologics Co. Ltd are still completing some requirements," said Guevarra in an online forum hosted by the Department of Health (DOH).
At present, three COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials were approved in the country, said Guevarra.
"Janssen's and Clover Biopharmaceuticals’ clinical trials are ongoing. On the other hand, Sinovac’s clinical trial has not yet started and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is awaiting the submission of their protocol amendment," she said.
Meanwhile, they are still awaiting when will the actual start of the World Health Organization (WHO)-led Solidarity Trials for Vaccines, which the Philippines will also be participating in, said Guevarra.
"The DOST is also awaiting the final protocol and list of vaccines from WHO so the Solidarity Vaccine Trials may be applied with the Ethics Board and FDA for approval," she said.