Philippines eyes three vaccines from China

December 14, 2020

The Philippines is eyeing three Chinese pharmaceutical companies for its possible sources of vaccines against coronavirus.

In a televised press briefing, National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said the vaccines could come from Sinovac, Sinopharm, and CanSino.

He said CanSino is also planning to conduct a clinical trial in the country.

"The most advance who submitted their clinical trials is Sinovac and I think we need to require Sinopharm to submit their requirements also," he said.

Galvez said his office was just waiting the go-signal from the expert panel clearance to negotiate with Sinovac since it is much ahead than the other Chinese companies.

He also noted that Sinovac offers cheaper price, "three times lower than Sinopharm and their production line is capable to produce more of less, if we'll have good negotiation, is 20 million."

Galvez reiterated that based on the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte, the government would consider safety, efficacy, and affordability in choosing the COVID-19 vaccine for the Filipinos. Celerina Monte/DMS