The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to complete the green lane for local vaccine manufacturers against the new coronavirus disease 2019 within seven working days.
In a statement on Saturday, ARTA said Higinio Porte of the Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association informed the body in a meeting last Friday Unilab and Lloyd Laboraties expressed interest to install a vaccine manufacturing facility but that existing regulatory requirements make it difficult for them to do so.
ARTA deputy director-general Ernesto Perez said he recommended the establishment of a One-Stop-Shop for the convenience of companies willing to invest in local vaccine manufacturing facilities.
Perez said ARTA sought more detailed inputs from local pharmaceutical companies and will meet this week with FDA on the timeline, documentary requirements, and process for green lanes for local manufacturing and importation of vaccines. – Irma Isip
