The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency authorization for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for its deployment once supplies arrive, Director General Eric Domingo said Wednesday.
The American-made vaccine, which boasts a high 95% efficacy, is the seventh to secure an emergency use permit in the Philippines after Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya Institute, Janssen, and Bharat Biotech.
Moderna has agreed to supply the Philippine government 13 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, with deliveries expected to start in mid-2021. Ports tycoon Enrique Razon led a private sector order for 20 million doses.
On Monday, boxer-senator Manny Pacquiao revealed he sought U.S. President Joe Biden's help to fast-track the delivery of Moderna vaccines to the Philippines.
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Led by Enrique Razon, Philippines Orders 20 Million Moderna Vaccines