Janssen starts clinical trials in PH

Janssen Pharmaceuticals started Phase 3 clinical trials for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines in the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said in a report by Philippine News Agency.

"Janssen has already started with the clinical trial proper which covers patients screening, recruitment, and vaccination," she said in a virtual briefing.

The official did not provide further details, saying data on independent clinical trials can only be stated by the vaccine developers.

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Janssen is among the three foreign vaccine manufacturers who have secured approval to conduct their phase III clinical trials in the country.

The other two are China's Clover Biopharmaceuticals and Sinovac, whose trial site preparations are both ongoing.

Meanwhile, some five vaccine developers have applied for emergency use authorization (EUA), including AstraZeneca and Oxford University which was given approval last January 28.

The government has also signed a confidentiality disclosure agreement with India's Bharat Biotech and is now waiting for its submission of requirements for a Phase III clinical testing in the Philippines.

Guevara said these requirements would be evaluated by the Vaccine Expert Panel and Ethics Board for approval.