The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has identified areas where the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine clinical trials may be conducted.
The Philippines has signed the confidentiality data agreement of 7 vaccine candidates which means that the country will now have access to the data and results of the trials conducted in other countries.
“Ang unang confidentiality data agreement ay naganap with the Gamaleya, ‘yun pong sa Russian vaccine. At sumunod dito isa naman na galing sa US, at mayroon pang lima na nakipag-pirmahan na. Isa ay bakuna from Taiwan, dalawa sa China and isa pa uli sa Russia at saka isa sa Australia. (The first confidentiality data agreement was made with the Gamaleya for the Russian vaccine. Next is from the US, and there are 5 who have also signed [with the Philippines]. 1 is a vaccine from Taiwan. 2 from China, another 1 from Russia and another 1 from Australia).” DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña has disclosed.
The DOST Chief has also announced the 8 zones approved by the IATF where the clinical trials will be conducted. 6 are in Metro Manila, 1 in CALABARZON, and 1 in Cebu.
The World Health Organization (WHO) solidarity trial is prioritized in the zoning but there will be other locations for independent trials. The department is ensuring the safety of the volunteers who will undergo the vaccine trials in the country.
Sec. Dela Peña has stated that based on the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Diseases (IATF-
EID)’s guidelines, any vaccine will still have to undergo evaluation and assessment by the vaccine expert panel of the country.
The panel will then recommend the vaccine to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then a study will be done by the research ethics board to ensure the protection of those who will receive the vaccine. The government has allotted Php 89 million for the clinical trial of the COVID-19 vaccine. The trial might start in November, so it is possible that the vaccine is available in the Philippines by the second quarter of 2021.
Report from Patrick De Jesus
