Japan cites PH interest in vaccine development research
Published Apr 15, 2020 12:00 am
By Genalyn Kabiling
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has cited the Philippines as among the countries interested in the clinical research for an anti-flu drug that can possibly treat COVID-19 patients.
The drug Avigan, developed by a Japanese firm to treat influenza, was among the topics discussed by Prime Minister Abe and President Duterte during a recent online regional summit, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"The President had an exchange with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding this drug and during the meeting, reiterated that the Philippines is ready to participate in clinical trials of potential vaccines like Avigan," Nograles said during a virtual press conference Wednesday.
"According to Prime Minister Abe, there are about 50 countries that are interested in studying this drug further and Prime Minister Abe gave special mention to President Duterte in this regard,” he said.
Last Tuesday, the President joined other Southeast Asian leaders in a virtual summit on the collective action to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders also held a separate summit with dialogue partners China, Japan and South Korea on the COVID-19 response efforts.
In his remarks at the summit, the President urged regional neighbors to enhance scientific cooperation, particularly in the area of vaccine and anti-viral treatment research and development. He said the Philippines is ready to participate in clinical trials and medical studies of potential vaccines and medicines such as Avigan.
Duterte also made a pitch for "fair and easy access" to vaccines and treatments for all countries in the event the coronavirus cure is found.
"We are confident our scientists and experts within and outside our region will rise to this colossal challenge. A vaccine and/or treatment must be found sooner rather than later," he said during special ASEAN summit with dialogue partners China, Japan and South Korea on the COVID-19.
"Our duty then, and that of relevant multilateral institutions, is to make sure that all countries will have fair and easy access to vaccines and treatments. Discussions on modalities should be started," he said.
Apart from vaccine research and development, Duterte called for intensified regional cooperation on strengthening healthcare systems as well as keeping supply chain connectivity and smooth flow of goods to ensure food security.
He also proposed the establishment of an early warning system for pandemics in the region in preparation for future public health emergencies. "COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic the world will face. We have to be ready for future outbreaks," he said.
The Philippines has reportedly the highest number of coronavirus infections in Southeast Asia. As of April 14, the total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 5,223 while the death toll reached 335.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"The President had an exchange with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding this drug and during the meeting, reiterated that the Philippines is ready to participate in clinical trials of potential vaccines like Avigan," Nograles said during a virtual press conference Wednesday.
"According to Prime Minister Abe, there are about 50 countries that are interested in studying this drug further and Prime Minister Abe gave special mention to President Duterte in this regard,” he said.
Last Tuesday, the President joined other Southeast Asian leaders in a virtual summit on the collective action to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders also held a separate summit with dialogue partners China, Japan and South Korea on the COVID-19 response efforts.
In his remarks at the summit, the President urged regional neighbors to enhance scientific cooperation, particularly in the area of vaccine and anti-viral treatment research and development. He said the Philippines is ready to participate in clinical trials and medical studies of potential vaccines and medicines such as Avigan.
Duterte also made a pitch for "fair and easy access" to vaccines and treatments for all countries in the event the coronavirus cure is found.
"We are confident our scientists and experts within and outside our region will rise to this colossal challenge. A vaccine and/or treatment must be found sooner rather than later," he said during special ASEAN summit with dialogue partners China, Japan and South Korea on the COVID-19.
"Our duty then, and that of relevant multilateral institutions, is to make sure that all countries will have fair and easy access to vaccines and treatments. Discussions on modalities should be started," he said.
Apart from vaccine research and development, Duterte called for intensified regional cooperation on strengthening healthcare systems as well as keeping supply chain connectivity and smooth flow of goods to ensure food security.
He also proposed the establishment of an early warning system for pandemics in the region in preparation for future public health emergencies. "COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic the world will face. We have to be ready for future outbreaks," he said.
The Philippines has reportedly the highest number of coronavirus infections in Southeast Asia. As of April 14, the total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 5,223 while the death toll reached 335.