MANILA - The Philippines has approved a clinical trial for the COVID-19 vaccine of Johnson & Johnson's unit Janssen, the head of its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Tuesday.

The trials could begin in the next few weeks, FDA head Rolando Enrique Domingo told a media briefing.

The FDA is still evaluating the late-stage trial applications of Sinovac SVA.O and Clover, Domingo said.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty) ((karen.lema@thomsonreuters.com; +632 841-8938;))