[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] The Philippines has decided to conduct Phase 3 clinical trials of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine 'Sputnik V,' which has been embroiled in safety controversies along with Russia.
According to local media such as the Philippine Star and foreign news agencies, Harry Roque, spokesperson for the Philippine Presidential Palace, stated on the 13th, "The Philippine vaccine expert panel will review the Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trial results of Sputnik V," adding, "Phase 3 clinical trials will be conducted in the Philippines from October this year to March next year." The Phase 3 trials will be conducted simultaneously in the Philippines and Russia, with Russia covering the costs of the clinical trials conducted in the Philippines.
He also said, "There is a possibility that this vaccine will receive approval from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration by April next year, and if so, President Rodrigo Duterte will willingly be vaccinated as early as May next year."
Earlier, President Duterte stated in a TV address on the night of the 10th local time that Russian President Vladimir Putin had offered to supply the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge, saying, "If the vaccine arrives, I could be the first test subject."
President Duterte also revealed in a national address to Congress at the end of last month that he had called Chinese President Xi Jinping to request that the Philippines be able to obtain or purchase the COVID-19 vaccine first.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has surpassed 140,000. This is not only the highest in Southeast Asia but also shows a recent trend of rapidly increasing cases.
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