DOST-PCHRD: Addressing the Challenges brought by COVID-19 through R&D

In 2020 alone, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) supported the implementation of 36 research projects related to COVID-19. Several of these health research projects and innovations have already provided significant inputs and contributions in the field of diagnostics, public health surveillance, and treatment for COVID-19:

• GenAmplifyTM CoronaVirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) rRT-PCR Detection Kit

Dr. Raul Destura of the Manila HealthTek Inc. together with his team from the University of the Philippines Manila – National Institutes of Health (UPM-NIH), worked to develop the GenAmplifyTM CoronaVirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) rRT-PCR Detection Kit. With high specificity and efficiency, the first-locally developed diagnostic kit for COVID-19 is now approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for commercial use. As it is developed locally, it is offered at a much lower price than its foreign counterparts in the market.

To date, a total of 1,301 GenAmplify rRT-PCR Detection Kits were manufactured and delivered for free to 22 hospitals and laboratories inside and outside Metro Manila.

• Development of Swab Testing Stations

Inspired by the innovative phone-booth style testing stations from neighboring countries, the DOST-PCHRD and the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) supported the development and distribution of the specimen collection booths (SCBs) designed by the Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise, Inc. (FAME).

The SCBs are designed with a transparent front window, ventilation, and caster wheels for easier mobility, which will help minimize the risk of infection among healthcare workers who collect the samples for testing. A total of 132 SCBs, equally co-funded by PCHRD and PCIEERD, are already deployed to DOH-identified testing centers across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

• Biosurveillance of COVID-19 in the Philippines through Whole Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from Patients

Leveraging omic technologies, Dr. Benedict Maralit of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) led the study on genome sequencing of COVID-19 viral samples. The study will provide a comprehensive picture of the spread of the disease in the country, and will help identify the source country of the virus, type or strain as well as related cases.

Through the project supported by the DOST-PCHRD and DOH and conducted in cooperation with the DOH Epidemiology Bureau and the IATF Technical Working Group on CoVID-19 variants, a total of 6,423 samples have been analyzed and sequenced, which also contributed to the classification of the P.3 variant first detected in the Central Visayas Region. By providing a better understanding of the spread of the virus, the project will contribute to the development of evidence-informed policies and programs which will help contain and manage the disease.

• In vitro Study on the Efficacy of Lauric Acid and Derivatives Against SARS-CoV-2

Led by Dr. Fabian Dayrit of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), the project evaluated the efficacy of virgin coconut oil (VCO) compounds against COVID-19 in vitro, in line with previous literature reporting its antiviral properties.

This study found that VCO has the ability to decrease the amount of virus in low viral concentrations and to destroy the virus. With the need to validate this in the clinical setting, the DOST is already supporting the conduct of two more research projects for clinical trials on VCO as an adjunct therapy against COVID-19.

As the lead agency for health and health-related research initiatives, the DOST-PCHRD continues to support various health research projects and activities to help address the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The DOST-PCHRD, with the steadfast support of the DOST system, will continue to strive in bringing accessible, research-based health solutions to support our recovery from this global health crisis,” DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya says.