The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRID) has said that inadequate funding to conduct a clinical trial for a drug for COVID-19 developed by its scientists has hampered the drug’s certification and global acceptance.
Director General of the Institute, Dr Obi Peter Adigwe made the disclosure in Abuja , when the Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora visited the agency.
He said the drug , Niprimune, helps build the immune system , and had already been listed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) meaning it was safe for human consumption.
He said “Getting the listing number for the product is just the first step in the journey. The next step is for us to begin the clinical study that will demonstrate that this product is not only safe but it is also effective in the management of COVID-19.
“However, to undertake this clinical study, NIPRID does not have the kind of funding required. We are looking for funding partners to support us in that direction.”
Adigwe said the agency has contributed to mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic in the country and internationally, through its analysis of the Madagascan Covid Organics preparation, production of hand sanitisers and partnering on ongoing randomised control trials on conventional medicines.
Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora pledged that government would look into the issue of funding for the agency, and also called on international donors and philanthropic organisations to help in funding the agency to enable it achieve its potentials .
He said “We need to source for funding so that NIPRD can do more. Funding so that the Institute can have up to date equipment so that they can do better in service delivery.”
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