2 COVID-19 vaccines may be initially tested in WHO solidarity trials — DOST exec

FILE PHOTO: Small bottles labeled with “Vaccine” stickers stand near a medical syringe in front of displayed “Coronavirus COVID-19” words in this illustration taken April 10, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

MANILA, Philippines — At least two vaccines for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be initially used during the conduct of solidarity trials that could start in January next year, the head of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) vaccine development expert panel said Friday.

Dr. Nina Gloriani, however, refused to identify the two vaccines that could be prioritized in the solidarity trials being supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), DOST, and the Department of Health (DOH).

“I am a member of the WHO Scientific Steering Committee and we have not come up with the vaccines prioritized for this solidarity [trials]. But we are meeting again tonight so we hope the final list will be final soon,” she said in a media forum hosted by the DOH.

“I think there will be around two vaccines at least that will be initially tested, and that makes maybe the possible start of the solidarity vaccine trials here in the Philippines by early or mid-January. It also allows us more time to prepare very well for the actual implementation,” she added.

Gloriani said the two vaccines that are being eyed for the solidarity trials are already “in the radar” of the DOST panel so evaluation will not take too much time.

“I cannot say that at this point. Until it becomes official, hindi pwedeng sabihin. Pero nasa radar namin. Ibig sabihin napag-aralan na rin namin kaya hindi tayo masyado matatagalan in evaluating,” she said when asked to identify the two vaccines.

(I cannot say that at this point. Until it becomes official, I cannot identify these vaccines. But they are already in the radar. It means we have already studied it so we will not take too much time on the evaluation.)

According to Gloriani, laboratory requirements for the solidarity trials such as cold chain requirements, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction testing quality assurance, blood sample collections, preservation, storage, laboratory supplies including personal protective equipment, are currently being completed.

She added that community engagements have already started with local government units on the potential sites for the solidarity trials.

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/MUF