Russia aims to manufacture coronavirus vaccine test in PH

MANILA, Philippines – Russia has proposed manufacturing its vaccine for the new coronavirus in the Philippines, a move that is seen as opening a center in Southeast Asia for the production of its COVID-19 drug.

The plan is part of a bilateral agreement proposed by Russia to the Philippines, which includes joint clinical trials and immediate supply of vaccines after the third and final phase and regulatory approval.

“As far as I know, Russia is the only country in the world that offers to co-produce its vaccine here in the Philippines,” Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev said Wednesday at a round table with the Russian Philippine Business Assembly.

“It means that we are ready to share our technology. Why? Because we don’t just want to come to your country, sell our vaccine and leave, ”Khovaev said.

Around 40 countries, including the Philippines, have expressed their willingness to cooperate with Russia in the fight against COVID-19, the serious respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

The Russian Fund for Direct Investment, the state institution responsible for the distribution and production of Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine for COVID-19, has so far signed up Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Brazil for joint clinical trials, Khovaev said.

He said Brazil had also signed an agreement with Russia for joint local production of the vaccine.

“It is not just a business deal. What we want is to build a long-term partnership and cooperation that will be beneficial for many generations to come. I think it is the best way to build a solid and reliable way to build a new bridge between our two nations, ”Khovaev said.

“I believe that this cooperation will allow your country to become a center for vaccines in the region,” he added.

Russia, he said, is ready for the final phase 3 clinical trials of Sputnik V in the Philippines.

The Department of Science and Technology is evaluating the documents submitted by Russia on the vaccine, he said.

WHO trials

“If anyone has doubts about the effectiveness of the Russian vaccine, the best way to get rid of these doubts is to conduct joint clinical trials and we are ready,” Khovaev said.

The Philippines also participates in the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Trials of vaccine candidates for COVID-19.

The government has identified eight areas in Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Cebu as possible sites for the trials.

Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said Thursday that six of the areas were in Metro Manila.

“We are choosing areas with a high incidence of COVID-19. Typically, five to 10 barangays will be needed for a trial … It is important that we test the efficacy of the vaccine in areas with a high number of cases, ”said De la Peña.

Metro Manila is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the Philippines, accounting for more than 80 percent of new infections.

On Thursday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,821 additional infections, bringing the national count to 248,947 cases.

Of the new cases identified by 105 of the 117 accredited laboratories, 2,079 were from Metro Manila and the rest from Rizal (286), Cavite (174), Laguna (168) and Bulacan (142).

The DOH reported that 563 more patients had recovered, bringing the total number of COVID-19 survivors to 186,058. But the death toll rose to 4,066 with the death of 80 more patients.

That left the country with 58,823 active cases, of which 88.3 percent were mild, 8.8 percent asymptomatic, 1.2 percent severe, and 1.7 critical. –with reports from Julie M. Aurelio and Tina G. Santos

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