Clinical trials for Janssen, Clover, Sinovac vaccines to start

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) — Three pharmaceutical firms authorized to conduct clinical trials for their vaccines in the country are set to start their programs.

In an online briefing, Dr. Nina Gloriani, head of the Department of Science and Technology vaccine development expert panel, said Janssen has just finished its month-long recruitment which started on the first week of February and is now monitoring and following up on the participants.

Clover Biopharmaceuticals, meanwhile, started its recruitment on March 25, while that of Sinovac will be slightly delayed and will most likely start in May.

Janssen and Clover's sample population will cover persons 18 years old and above, while Sinovac will have participants 60 years and older.

"The safety of Sinovac is remarkable across all age groups, including the elderly. Clinical trial findings showed that the Sinovac CoronaVac is well tolerated among older individuals," Gloriani said in her presentation.

However, she noted that early data on small sample size showing Sinovac can provide protection to the elderly is not yet conclusive.

Gloriani said apart from the information she had shared, she cannot divulge any more data.