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500 volunteers needed for COVID vaccine trials

Photo courtesy of Em Ang

Janssen Pharmaceutica, the drug subsidiary of American conglomerate Johnson & Johnson, is recruiting 500 volunteers, who are 40 years old and above, in Bacolod City for the pivotal Phase 3 trials of its COVID-19 vaccine that will start next month, Bacolod Emergency Operations Center Executive Director Em Ang said today, January 27.

Janssen Pharmaceutica, that developed vaccine candidate JNJ-78436735, will also conduct clinical trials in Iloilo City, Makati City, and San Pablo and Cabuyao in Laguna.

“The randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in at least 500 adults, 40 years old and older, including significant representation from those who have comorbidities,” she said.

Dr. Adonis Guancia, principal administrator of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinical trials in Bacolod City, briefed members of the EOC this morning of the vaccine clinical trials, she said.

“The trials mark the first for a COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines and would allow the country to contribute to worldwide knowledge on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. The trials will also help scientists and medical experts confirm the effects of the vaccine on Filipinos, “ Ang said.

They have to complete the trials before March 15, she said.

Meanwhile, Ang briefed the barangay kagawads of Bacolod City on the city’s vaccination program today.

Dr. Chris Sorongon, Bacolod Emergency Operations Center medical deputy for data analysis and assessment, said they also met with BPO Centers and mall managers yesterday to stress the need to continue to observe minimum health protocols and use of the BacTrac Contact tracing app.

Tomorrow, January 28, they will be meeting with the barangay captains to discuss EOC updates and the city’s vaccination information education drive, he added.*

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