Chinese vax maker to invest in PH

Chinese global pharmaceutical firm and vaccine maker Yisheng Biopharma Co. Ltd. is looking to expand its operations in the Philippines.
According to the Board of Investments (BOI), they have already met Yisheng chairman Zhang Yi and the rest of its delegation to discuss its investment plans in the country.
The BOI said that the Chinese company is “preparing to initiate Phase III [of its] global multi-center clinical trial for its PIKA rabies vaccine, and Phase II-III combined trials for its PIKA COV-19 vaccine.”
BOI Executive Director for Investment Promotions Evariste Cagatan stated that this investment is timely as the BOI, Department of Health, and Department of Science and Technology are planning to collaborate on a vaccine self-reliance program by building the country’s vaccine production capability.
The government is also eyeing to start manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines locally.
Meanwhile, BOI Executive for Industry Development Service Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa added that Yisheng might also establish a manufacturing facility in the country by partnering with local firms or with the government through the National Development Company.