Filipino-Made COVID-19 Ventilator by Ayala Subsidiary Gets Approval From FDA

Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. can now manufacture low-cost breathing aids.

Filipinos have been prompting the government to advocate locally made products—from testing kits to PPEs—amid the fight against COVID-19. This solution does not only make sure that our healthcare sector saves on costs, but also fuels our manufacturing industry.

In response to this call, Ayala-owned Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) has produced a non-invasive ventilatory support machine for COVID-19 patients. In a statement released on August 7, the electronics manufacturing company said that they have officially received certification from the Food and Drug Administration for their UCL-Ventura Flow Generator.

IMI is the manufacturing portfolio of AC Industrial Technology Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corp.

The device was based on the manufacturing instructions for the UCL-Ventura Breathing Aid, which was released for free by the University College London on April 7. It was made in collaboration with University College London Hospital and Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. This design, likewise, was developed from an off-patent continuous positive airway pressure system that was further optimized to support COVID-19 patients having difficulty breathing.

The approval from Food and Drug Administration, which was given on July 10, now allows Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. to manufacture low-cost ventilators and other breathing aid solutions for COVID-19 patients.

By CHRISTA DE LA CRUZ FOR SPOT.PH  

Source: Peso Economics