COVID-19 vaccine candidates reviewed for possible clinical trials in Metro Manila, Philippines

The clinical trial may involve 1,000 volunteers from communities with high infection rates

The Philippine Minister of Science and Technology Hon. Fortunato T. De La Pena stated that clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine will be conducted in Metro Manila, major cities and densely populated areas such as Calabarzon and Cebu. 

Metro Manila is a large metropolitan area with Manila as its core, covering 15 surrounding cities and 1 municipality; administratively, it is classified as the National Capital Region (NCR). Metro Manila has a population of approximately 1,393 Million, accounting for 12.7% of the national proportion. Including neighboring Laguna, Cavite, Risa and Bulacan, the total population is nearly 25.8 million 

The Philippine government said it will give priority to a large-scale clinical trial of the World Health Organization, which may involve 1,000 volunteers from communities with high infection rates. 

According to the government’s COVID-19 Task Force, vaccine recipients will be recruited from the top 5 to 10 high-incidence areas reported to have an attack rate per 1,000 people. 

If the community is not suitable as a test area, the community can also participate in the nearby high-incidence area. 

Independent clinical trials of private vaccine companies will also be allocated to the trial area. The clinical trial will run for three to six months. 

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Following the successful launch of SiGMA Europe (Malta) and SiGMA Asia (Manila), we’re now launching the inaugural SiGMA AMERICAS, covering all three major timezones. The inaugural edition is set for September 22-24, 2020 with a virtual summit focusing on two themes: SiGMA AMERICAS for the Gaming industry and AIBC AMERICAS for the Emerging Tech industry. We wanted to provide fresh content, to help you navigate through these turbulent times. If you’re exploring Americas as a new frontier or wondering which tech solutions to embrace, we’ve got you covered: tune in on September 22-24, 2020.