PH secures 30M Covovax doses from India

The Philippines has secured 30 million doses of the Covovax vaccine from India's Serum Institute of India (SII), with potential for an additional 10 million doses.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. stated that another term sheet for approximately 60 million more doses may be signed this week, potentially bringing the total secured doses to 100 million.

The delivery of the 30 million Covovax doses is expected to be completed within five to six months, starting in the third quarter of 2021.

Covovax, developed by biotech firm Novavax in partnership with SII, is currently undergoing Phase 3 trials in various countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, and Mexico.

The vaccine is stable at standard refrigeration temperatures of 2°C to 8°C, which is compatible with the Philippines' existing cold chain system for easier distribution.

The Philippines hopes to secure emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA based on the results of the Phase 3 trials, with the UK expected to complete its trials first.