Participation in trials improves chance of securing vaccine –FDA
Published June 13, 2020 8:47pm
It was a good move for the Philippines to participate in the global clinical trials for a COVID-19 cure as this will increase the country’s chance of securing a vaccine, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Eric Domingo said on Saturday.
“Ang isa rin po kasing magandang strategy ay sumali tayo sa clinical trial pa lamang, unang una masusubukan na natin siya sa mga Pilipino kung maganda ang epekto niya, and at the same time siyempre kung participant tayo sa pag-develop ng isang bakuna, ‘yung kumpanya siyempre mas maganda rin ang chance na uunahin tayo,” Domingo said at a Dobol B sa News TV interview.
According to Domingo, the World Health Organization gave an update that 70 companies and universities all over the world are currently conducting their research for a COVID-19 vaccine. Ten of them are about to start their clinical trials.
Domingo said the Philippines planned to join the World Health Organization’s Solidarity Trial. Furthermore, the Department of Science and Technology was coordinating with companies and universities developing a vaccine in China for clinical trials.
Domingo added that President Rodrigo Duterte had been in talks with other countries regarding the Philippines’ access to vaccines once they are available.
“Para po ‘pag na-develop na rin ang gamot magiging mas madali ang access natin dito,” Domingo said.
Malacanang had previously welcomed news of clinical trials for a possible vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019. — DVM, GMA News
