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MANILA – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as the lead agency of the sub-technical working group of the Inter-institutional Working Group on vaccine development, is currently preparing for the Solidarity Trial of the World Health Organization (WHO) to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid -19) vaccine.
In a recorded DOST report broadcast Friday afternoon, DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said he believes clinical trials will begin soon.
DOST would ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, he said.
“We also want to be transparent with everyone,” de la Peña added.
The Executive Director of the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Jaime Montoya, reported that there were already three actors who submitted the requirements to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating their interest in conducting clinical trials in the Philippines.
These three are the Gamaleya Research Institute of Russia, Janssen and Sinovac.
Several hospitals are also preparing for the WHO Solidarity Trial, according to Montoya. These include hospitals in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
“We are also planning a trial to test our readiness for clinical trials (of the Covid-19 vaccine). This will be in close coordination with the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) and the (Office of) Customs,” Montoya said .
Coordination with the DILG is necessary as clinical trials would require cooperation from communities. Coordination with Customs, on the other hand, is necessary for vaccine storage requirements, he explained.
“There will be zoning or places assigned to specific vaccines to avoid overlaps. Local governments will assist in conducting trials, such as transporting patients, and other support to implement the clinical trial in their barangays,” Montoya said in a text. message.
Meanwhile, Montoya said it typically takes five years to produce a vaccine. However, people are trying to produce the Covid-19 vaccine in a year or less.
“Because of this, we are targeting a 50 percent efficacy rate. This means that if (a vaccine is found to be) 50 percent effective, it has passed (the test), and we will move on to the next vaccine to be tested. We would also see if there are any side effects, “he said. (PNA)
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