Novavax applies for EUA in PH

American biotechnology company Novavax has applied for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines.

Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo confirmed the application but stated that the requirements are not yet complete.

If approved, the Novavax vaccine would be the ninth COVID-19 vaccine available in the Philippines.

The Novavax vaccine showed 93% effectiveness against the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants and was 100% effective in preventing moderate and severe COVID-19 infection.

The Philippines has a supply agreement for 30 million doses of the Novavax vaccine, secured in March.

The Novavax vaccine is produced by the Serum Institute of India.

Novavax has been struggling to access raw materials and equipment needed for production.

There were expectations that the vaccine doses would arrive in the third or fourth quarter of the year.