Russia eyes manufacture of corona vaccine in PH

[Mike J]

The Russian vaccine produced in the Philippines.  What could possibly go wrong? 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/190795/russia-eyes-manufacture-trial-of-covid-vaccine-in-ph

MANILA, Philippines — Russia has proposed to manufacture its vaccine for the new coronavirus in the Philippines, a move seen as opening a Southeast Asian hub for the production of its drug for COVID-19.

The plan is part of a bilateral deal proposed by Russia to the Philippines, which includes joint clinical trials and immediate provision of vaccine supply after the third and final phase and regulatory approval.

“As far as I know, Russia is the only country in the world which offers to jointly produce its vaccine here in the Philippines,” Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev said in a roundtable with the Philippine Russian Business Assembly on Wednesday.

“It means that we are ready to share our technology. Why? Because we don’t just want to come to your country, sell our vaccine, and go,” Khovaev said.

About 40 countries, including the Philippines, have expressed willingness to cooperate with Russia in fighting COVID-19, the severe respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

Russian Direct Investment Fund, the state-run institution responsible for distribution and production of Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine for COVID-19, has so far signed up Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Brazil for joint clinical trials, Khovaev said.

He said Brazil had also signed an agreement with Russia for joint local production of the vaccine.

“It’s not just a simply trading deal. What we want is that we want to build a long-term partnership and cooperation which will be beneficial for many generations to come. I think it’s the best way to build a robust reliable way to build a new bridge between our two nations,” Khovaev said.

“I believe that this cooperation will allow your country to become a hub of vaccine in the region,” he added.

Russia, he said, is ready for the final Phase 3 clinical trials of Sputnik V in the Philippines.

The Department of Science and Technology is evaluating the documents submitted by Russia about the vaccine, he said.

WHO trials
“If somebody has doubt on the effectiveness of the Russian vaccine, the best way to get rid of these doubts is to conduct joint clinical trials and we are ready,” Khovaev said.

The Philippines is also taking part in the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Trials of candidate vaccines for COVID-19.

The government has identified eight areas in Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Cebu as possible sites for the trials.

Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña on Thursday said six of the areas were in Metro Manila.

“We are choosing areas with a high incidence of COVID-19. Usually it will require five to 10 barangays for a trial … It is important that we test the efficacy of the vaccine in areas with high numbers of cases,” De la Peña said.

Metro Manila is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the Philippines, accounting for more than 80 percent of new infections.

On Thursday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,821 additional infections, bringing the national tally to 248,947 cases.

Of the new cases identified by 105 of 117 accredited laboratories, 2,079 were from Metro Manila and the rest were from Rizal (286), Cavite (174), Laguna (168) and Bulacan (142).

The DOH reported that 563 more patients had recovered, raising the total number of COVID-19 survivors to 186,058. But the death toll increased to 4,066 with the deaths of 80 more patients.

That left the country with 58,823 active cases, of which 88.3 percent were mild, 8.8 percent asymptomatic, 1.2 percent severe, and 1.7 critical.

 

 

[Old55]

Deeply suspicious. Russia or China never do something without a motive. But if this vaccine works it would greatly benefit the Filipino people.

[scott h]

56 minutes ago, Mike J said:

The Russian vaccine produced in the Philippines.  What could possibly go wrong? 

 

A drug developed and tested by a country that kills dissenters and manufactured by a 3rd ((or 4th rate) country.........I will wait, thank you 

[hk blues]

2 hours ago, Old55 said:

 Russia or China never do something without a motive. 

Does anyone?

[Gas]

5 hours ago, scott h said:

A drug developed and tested by a country that kills dissenters and manufactured by a 3rd ((or 4th rate) country.........I will wait, thank you 

Some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world have manufacturing facilities in the Philippines.  

[GeoffH]

17 hours ago, Gas said:

Some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world have manufacturing facilities in the Philippines.  

And most manufacturing is done in third world countries anyway... so the vaccine you 'choose' (if people even get to choose between types which seems a bit unlikely at this point in time) is likely to be made in India or China if it isn't made in the Philippines.

There is some first world manufacturing but the scale isn't there to make enough, Australia for example can only make 100 million doses in a year and won't be able to commence manufacture in large scales until late next year (because the plant will need conversion from influenza vaccine manufacturing to Covid vaccine manufacturing).

The situation is similar in Europe and the USA from what I understand, domestic manufacturing capacity won't have spare capcity for third world countries until later on (after primary domestic needs are met).

Where as there are huge Indian plants ready to make vaccine doses now (and honestly... the majority of generic medicine is made there already).

And yes I'm aware of agreements about supplying Covid vaccines to third world countries (Australia have agreed to supply 30 million doses to small Pacific nations for example) but I'm cynical enough to think those doses will be at the back of the line and domestic doses will be up front (with maybe some exceptions for front line medical workers and publicity shots).

 

Edited October 11, 2020 by GeoffH

[scott h]

1 hour ago, GeoffH said:

but I'm cynical enough to think those doses will be at the back of the line and domestic doses will be up front

I agree with you, political self preservation will kick in. Just imagine the out cry when a President, Prime minister, King, Queen or Military Junta stands up when a vaccine is developed and says

FOLKS!!! Good news, we have the vaccine!!! But we are only going to it to HALF of you because the other half is going to  (pick your 3rd world nation). But remember to vote for ME in the next election !

Man there will be blood in the streets lolol 

[Kuya John]

I remember way back in the 60's a Russian Medical ship docked at Liverpool UK offering free advanced eye treatment ( at that time ) as part of a good will gesture!

It will of course be to the Russian Governments advantage if production of a vaccine is manufactured by an Asian Country, namely the Philippines, however it would also generate employment at a time when other countries are facing wide-spread unemployment !.....just a thought. JB

[Dave Hounddriver]

41 minutes ago, Kuya John said:

I remember way back in the 60's a Russian Medical ship docked at Liverpool UK offering free advanced eye treatment ( at that time ) as part of a good will gesture!

Did you tell them "No need!  We have carrots!"  (Link to reference here for those who do not know it)

[Kuya John]

5 minutes ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

Did you tell them "No need!  We have carrots!"  (Link to reference here for those who do not know it)