Australian biotechnology company, Vaxine Pty Ltd., has relayed its interest to the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to conduct the second phase of clinical trials in the Philippines for its potential vaccine against Covid-19.
The Phase 2 trial will be conducted by DOST’s Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) and is expected to begin by December 2020. It involves up to several hundred individuals and aims to define the optimal dose and safety profile of vaccine candidates. Vaxine is also keen to produce its vaccine locally once it has cleared of trials, been officially approved, and is ready to be administered to humans.
The company’s vaccine reportedly combines viral proteins with an adjuvant that stimulates the immune system, according to Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker by the New York Times. Vaxine had concluded its first phase of a trial in July 2020 with positive results after it conducted human trials on 40 participants.
Currently, there are about 7-8 companies, including global player, AstraZeneca, which have declared their interest in holding different stages of clinical trials in the country and are asking for process and requirements from the government.
(Source: Philippine Star)
