FDA OKs Janssen COVID-19 vaccine Phase 3 trial

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Phase 3 clinical trial application for the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Johnson and Johnson.

This approval allows Janssen to conduct the first independent clinical trials in the Philippines, which are expected to begin after the new year.

FDA Director General Rolando Enrique Domingo confirmed the approval and stated that Janssen passed the evaluation of health regulators.

Conducting trials in the Philippines is anticipated to speed up the regulatory approval process for the vaccine.

The FDA is also currently reviewing applications for clinical trials from two Chinese companies, Sinovac Biotech and Clover Pharmaceuticals.

Additionally, the World Health Organization's Solidarity Trials for Vaccines may commence in the Philippines next month.