This paper presents a general overview of the local veterinary biologics industry including its structure and key market players. It also discusses regulatory policies governing the industry as well as problems confronting the industry.
In the Philippines, the local vaccine industry can be considered still underdeveloped. There is vast market for veterinary biologics but the industry has only a few players, majority of which are importing firms. About 80% of the total veterinary biologics available at the local market is imported. Local manufacturers are limited to only three private companies. Unfortunately, production in government laboratories is declining
The Bureau of Animal Industry is the principal government agency responsible for implementing laws and regulations governing the production, importation and distribution of veterinary biologics. For the BAI to keep abreast with current technological innovation in vaccine development, considerable funding must be alloted for R&D.
For the local vaccine industry to prosper, the following obstacles hindering its growth must be addressed: 1) product quality and competitiveness; 2) sectoral linkages; 3) R&D funding and focus; 4) disease incidence monitoring and recording; 5) policies, procedures and guidelines on importation, manufacturing and distribution of vaccines; and 6) farmers attitude and perceptions on vaccines.
