Text and photo by: Katherine Munda

Issues involving the process of developing new drugs in the country were discussed in a meeting held between Hon. Jude Acidre, Tingog party-list representative and author of House Bill 9867 or the Pharmaceutical Innovation Act, and UP Manila experts on clinical trials on Oct. 4, 2024.

Chancellor Michael Tee and Vice Chancellor Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio led the discussion with university researchers and pharmacology experts Dr. Jennifer Sandoval-Tan, Dr. Emmanuel P. Estrella, Prof. Edlyn B. Jimenez, Dr. Anna Lisa T. Ong-Lim, Dr. Benjamin P. Sablan, and Dr. Cecilia Nelia C. Maramba-Lazarte.

The ethics experts and clinical trialists raised the issues on delayed regulatory approvals and their impact on the process of clinical trials. They also discussed the role of research ethics in ensuring trial participants’ safety and the integrity of trial results.  The UP Manila panelists also raised the challenge of bringing their own newly developed drugs and medical devices to their target market.

In shepherding the bill, Rep. Acidre vowed to consider the suggestions provided by UP Manila. Chancellor Tee expressed gratitude to the solon for listening to the insights of the academe in the formulation of health bills. As the Health Sciences Center, UPM is a partner of the government in providing evidence-based information that is crucial in making informed decisions and policies related to health.

HB 9867, which seeks to accelerate the discovery and development of innovative medicines in the Philippines by enhancing clinical trials, has passed the committee level of the House of Representatives early this year.