DTI chief calls for ‘assured’ vaccine procurement deal

IN enticing firms to set up vaccine facilities in the country, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the government must ensure purchase commitment for the locally produced doses.

“We can have some commitment in terms of purchasing [Covid-19 vaccines],” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said on Wednesday in a TV interview.

“[What is needed is] assurance [of] procurement. That would suffice,” he added. Lopez told reporters that said initiative is currently being deliberated with the Department of Health and the vaccine committee, noting that there is no final commitment yet on the Covid-19 vaccine volume.

“This is possible for now under an EUA [emergency use authorization] certified vaccine using the import -fill-finish model,” he explained. “This model will allow an earlier start of operations, possibly before year end or early next year.”

The DTI chief added they are coordinating already with the local company to set a timeline for the start of Covid-19 vaccine production.

Meanwhile, Lopez said that the order mandating the creation of green lane for vaccine manufacturing applications is expected to be signed next week. He noted that the Anti-red Tape Authority (Arta) has been working with concerned agencies in finalizing the related procedures.

The proposed green lane, Lopez said, is only applicable to bulk importation, fill and finish model under a EUA application.

During the meeting, the trade department suggested cutting the processing period for permits, or maximum of 21 days only.

“There’s a provision that to expedite processing, advanced information and documents can be submitted to FDA [Food and Drug Administration], prior to official assessment,” Lopez said.

He also recommended for post-audit of the application and designation of focal unit or official in FDA.

United Laboratories Inc. confirmed its commitment to produce Covid-19 doses last April 7. It is eyeing to operate its form, fill and finish plant by 2023.

Glovax Biotech earlier announced its partnership with Korean vaccine manufacturer Eubiologics to produce Eucorvac-19 in the country. It has an annual capacity of 100 million doses and can allocate 40 million to the Philippines.

In addition, DTI is also in talks with IP Biotech and IG Biotech; and Dr. Zen Biotech Inc.