DOST OKs 2 research projects on COVID-19 vaccines

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has approved the conduct of two research and development projects that will look into the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and the mix-and-match of these vaccines.

Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña yesterday said the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development has approved the two studies to be done separately by the Philippine Society for Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the University of the Philippines-Manila.

The PSAAI, which will study the mix-match of various COVID-19 vaccines, was allocated a funding of P133 million, while UP-Manila was given P114.9 million for the immuno-surveillance study.

Dela Peña said the PSAAI research, to be led by Dr. Michelle de Vera, was approved to address the COVID-19 vaccination concerns in the Philippines, including the unpredictable vaccine supply.

The study also aims to determine if the high-risk population that completed the dosing regimen of a vaccine would develop a better immune response after receiving a booster dose.

UP-Manila will conduct the yearlong study with the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in coordination with local government units and the Department of Health for the Post-Implementation Vaccine Surveillance Program.

The R&D, to be led by Dr. Regina Berba, aims to estimate the vaccine effectiveness of emergency use authorization-approved COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines. It is also expected to determine the duration of protection of the EUA-approved vaccines and possible factors affecting vaccine effectiveness.

Dean Rowena Cristina Guevara, science undersecretary for R&D and chairperson of the Task Group on Vaccine Evaluation and Selection, said the two institutions still have to get clearance for their respective projects.

“They still have to pass (approval of) the Food and Drug Administration and the ethics board,” Guevara said.