DOH to proceed with Sinovac trials despite Brazil suspension

The Department of Health (DOH) stated that Sinovac's application for Phase 3 clinical trials in the Philippines will proceed despite a temporary suspension in Brazil.

The suspension in Brazil was due to a reported adverse event involving a volunteer, though the Brazilian health regulator indicated it was not related to the Sinovac vaccine itself.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire emphasized that the DOH requires official notification and further evaluation before considering any halt to the Philippine trials, stating "We still need to study this."

Vergeire also mentioned that the DOH experts have to evaluate the reported "adverse effect" first, and the manufacturer must inform them before any decision is made.

Sinovac has already received approval from the Philippine vaccine experts panel but still needs clearance from the Ethics Board and the Food and Drug Administration.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. mentioned that 17 potential COVID-19 vaccines are currently being evaluated by the vaccine experts panel.