DTI clears P7.5 billion Glovax vaccine plant

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has signed a memorandum of agreement with Glovax Biotech Corp. to set up a form, fill and finish plant for COVID-19 vaccines in the country, according to Glovax vice chairman Frank Evaristo.

Glovax is eyeing to start operations in October next year of the facility, which will fill vials with COVID-19 vaccines being developed by its partner in South Korea.

According to the DTI, the local company has already signed an agreement with its South Korean technology partner EuBiologics Co. Ltd

The P7.5 billion project is proposed to be located in Clark, Pampanga.

Meanwhile, local vaccine manufacturers planning to set up a form, fill and finish operations for COVID-19 vaccines in the country may now access the green lane for expedited processing of permits following the signing of a joint memorandum circular for the establishment of the facility.

The joint memorandum circular, which creates a green lane for securing permits, licenses and authorizations for the establishment and operation of a form, fill and finish facility for COVID vaccines, was signed by the Anti-Red Tape Authority, Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments, Department of Science and Technology and National Task Force Against COVID-19.

Under an import, fill and finish model, the bulk of the supply of vaccines will be imported from abroad and the local companies will fill and package vials locally for distribution.

Apart from access to the green lane, local vaccine manufacturers may avail of incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act and other applicable laws and implementing rules and regulations.

Other local companies that expressed interest in putting up vaccine manufacturing plants in the country are United Laboratories Inc., IG/IP Biotech and Dr. Zen Biotech.