COVID-19: NIPRID develops protocol for claims, medicines verification

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, (NIPRD), has developed a phytomedicine verification and validation protocol for COVID-19 and other health conditions.

The Director General of the agency , Dr. Obi Adigwe, said the protocol was developed through the National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC) on COVID-19 cure claims.

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Speaking while unveiling the document on Wednesday in Abuja, he said it was also focused on efficient and sustainable utilization of local resources for self-reliance in pharmaceutical production and services, and also bring about medicines security in Nigeria.

He said as part of the institutue’s research and development response, it convened a national scientific advisory committee to develop a standard phytomedicines verification and validation protocol.

“The committee was made up of 24 professionals amongst whom were 18 academic professors from different universities, research centres and international organizations across Nigeria.

“The Protocol contains guidelines for the invitation of claimants; inclusion and exclusion criteria; ranking criteria; guidelines for interaction with claimants/traditional medicine practitioners; informed consent form; validation report form; and protocol for processing and validation of products’ claims.

“While this document was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its contents are generic and can be applied for the verification of phytomedicines medicines in general,” he said.

He said that the document was developed to stop exploitation and harmful drugs, and would also help Nigeria, Africa and the world to come to agreement on standardization approach.

Prof. Olobayo Kunle, chairman of the National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC), on COVID-19 cure claims, said Nigeria herbal medicine were useful.

He said the pharmaceutical body would provide the required input by using scientific methodology that has been standardized with international recognition.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorimnibe Mamora, applauded NIPRD’s management for its thoughtfulness and foresight in convening the National Scientific Advisory Committee which developed the valuable protocol.