By Alec Go
Discussions are ongoing with local pharmaceutical companies and vaccine originators for the planned vaccine manufacturing in the country, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Saturday (Oct. 23).
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Guevara said seven local companies are waiting for a “final word” regarding vaccine production.
“Iyong kabila naman ay iyong tinatawag nating vaccine originator… Kaya kailangan po natin magkaroon ng foreign partner na siyang panggagalingan po noong bakuna na ima-manufacture natin dito,” she said.
“Lumilinaw na kung sino dito sa mga vaccine originators ang willing magdala dito ng bulk antigen na ipa-partner natin doon sa local manufacturer na siyang magpi-fill and finish muna,” she added.
The department earlier said the Philippines may start producing its own COVID-19 vaccines in 2022, with several companies expressing interest to establish vaccine facilities in the country.
Meanwhile, the official said vaccination sites have been identified in preparation for the mix and match trials for COVID-19 vaccines whose pilot implementation will be held in Marikina, Muntinlupa, and Davao.
“Ina-assure namin kayo na tamang-tama ang dating nitong results ng mix and match, dahil sa aming estima, siguro next year, first quarter pa naman tayo mag-iisip ng booster or third shots,” she said. -rir
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