DOH: PH can procure Moderna vaccine sans local trials

The Philippines can still procure COVID-19 vaccines from companies like Moderna even without local clinical trials.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that procurement is possible after the FDA's approval and completion of the country’s regulatory process.

Moderna had discussions with the Department of Science and Technology about a month ago, expressing no intent to conduct clinical trials in the Philippines but willingness to enter vaccine procurement.

Vergeire emphasized that while conducting local clinical trials would be ideal for assessing vaccine efficacy among the Filipino population, it does not prevent the government from procuring vaccines if they meet regulatory requirements.