Nigeria Develops New Drug For Malaria and other diseases
Reading through the health news today, I was very excited about the report in Vanguard that the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has successfully developed 6 herbal drugs. These drugs developed are to be used to treat Malaria and Ebola amongst other diseases.
- Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to be treated with NIPRIBOL
- Uncomplicated Malaria, treatment with NIPRIMAL (safe for pregnant women)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection management with NIPRIMUNE
- Fungal skin infection, treatment with NIPRIFAN
Source: Vanguardngr.com
As an intern at NIPRD in 1997 and 1998, during my undergraduate years, I recall an invaluable learning experience under the tutelage of senior research fellows such as Prof. Joseph I. Okogun.
It is my belief that the development of these new herbal drugs by NIPRD would go a long way in helping Nigerians achieve sustainable development goal (SDG) 3 - ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages.
Credit: original photo of me at Schonbrunn palace gardens, Vienna, Austria.
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What are your thoughts on NIPRD's development of 6 new herbal drugs?
Thank you for reading!
This could be helpful in India as well.
Yes I think so too. Nigeria has good relations with India, so if they deem your proposal necessary, both governments could work to make it happen.
Yes, I wish it happens to a better society, and I have a lot of Nigerian friends here in Mumbai.
I ran here to see the post from your twitter tag. Lol. This is great. I have not doubt about NIPRID research and products. I know they have been working on related product for long. I hope this becomes mainstream and eradicate malaria in Nigeria. Thanks for this.
Hehehe 😃😃😃😃Thank you for running here from my twitter page. Yes, NIPRD first manufactured NIPISAN, to help manage sickle cell patients.
It is my wish too that NIPRIMAL goes mainstream. You are welcome.
Hahaha. The running was smooth, no worries, :). Yes, we are progressing research-wise. Nigeria will be great again.
We have the roots to most of our ailments right behind our different houses. Just that the practice is usually unregulated and shrouded in secrecy. I'm happy they have reputable bodies where the processes are double checked and verifiable, producing this.
Thanks a lot
Very true, @greenrun. The fact that the practice is unregulated is very scary. The herbal decoctions made and administered raw could lead to the destruction of the liver where drugs and xenobiotics are metabolized.
Same here. Every imported and locally manufactured drug is subjected to series of tests at the medicinal chemistry and quality control (MCQC) department. Then as an intern, we would run the tests using a standard UV spectrophotometer. All drug samples MUST meet the standard as stated in the British Pharmacopeia and United States Pharmacopia. If the sample doesn't meet the standard, the entire batch is destroyed.
You truly learnt during your intern. I could see your understanding of drug analysis using BP and USP.
Thanks for the commendation, @turpsy. Yes, I did learn so much in a short period. We used to join senior research fellows like the DG -NIPRD, Prof. Gamaniel in presenting seminars on Mondays as it is the norm at the research institute. At that time, he was Dr. Gamaniel, not yet a Professor.
Really, seminars every mondays, thats no joke. It a good way to groom good scientists and horn upcoming researchers analytic skills. I hope you still kept in touch.
That QC test is a must for any drugs to be certified fit for the public. Thanks
That is correct, @greenrun. Drug and even food samples used to be sent to us from NAFDAC. We run the tests and report back to them. That report usually includes recommendation whether or not to allow the release of the food and drugs into the Nigerian markets. Cheers.
This is such a good news. Reaffirming my beliefs in drugs made from indigenous plants
This is a great progress, we won't have to depend only on imported drugs, this will not only boost the health sector but it will also boost our economy
This is indeed a remarkable innovation by the NIPRD coming from my dear country. I hope they maintain the standard in trying to improve the quality of healthy living among the Nigerian populace by continually using indigenous resources.
This is good news and a great development at that. I only wish there can be a vaccine against corruption and other social vices that has eaten deep into our country's economy though. Great post ma'am.
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that is really great to know lets make this world a happy and healthy place :)
Hello @maryfavour,
I think it is a good development for our country. At least the devastating effects of the associated diseases would be put under control.
Upv by
@eurogee, the Steemivangelist and the founder of @euronation Newbie's Support Team