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COVID-19: Nigeria to start clinical trial of chloroquine
As countries race to find treatment options for the coronavirus outbreak, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control; NAFDAC, has ordered the manufacturing of Chloroquine for possible clinical treatment of the virus. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC joins CNBC Africa to discuss the details.
Thu, 02 Apr 2020 11:39:02 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The proactive role of NAFDAC in supporting clinical researchers and ensuring the availability of essential drugs for COVID-19 trials.
- The upcoming clinical trial of chloroquine in Lagos State, spearheaded by experienced researchers, showcases Nigeria's commitment to exploring potential treatment options.
- The challenges of ramping up chloroquine production in Nigeria and NAFDAC's swift response to address the supply chain issues amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken a significant step in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by ordering the manufacturing of chloroquine for possible clinical treatment of the virus. The decision comes amidst a global rush to find effective treatment options for the coronavirus outbreak. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, shed light on the agency's role in combating the pandemic in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Adeyeye highlighted NAFDAC's efforts to facilitate clinical trials and ensure the availability of essential drugs for researchers in Nigeria.
NAFDAC has played a proactive role in supporting clinical researchers in conducting trials by working closely with them to make necessary drugs available in the country. Adeyeye emphasized that the agency prioritizes drugs that are safe, high-quality, and effective for clinical trials. Additionally, NAFDAC conducts thorough inspections to ensure that clinical trial sites meet international standards.
One of the key developments in Nigeria's fight against COVID-19 is the upcoming clinical trial of chloroquine in Lagos State. Despite previous concerns about the use of chloroquine, recent research has indicated its potential effectiveness in treating the virus. Professor Abayomi, a renowned researcher leading the trial in Lagos State, brings extensive experience to the table, having played a crucial role during the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. Adeyeye expressed confidence in the research team's capabilities and highlighted NAFDAC's commitment to expediting the approval process for COVID-19-related initiatives.
Adeyeye addressed the challenges of ramping up chloroquine production in Nigeria, noting that the drug had been discontinued due to parasite resistance in malaria treatment. However, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, NAFDAC swiftly facilitated the production of chloroquine by leveraging local manufacturers. Adeyeye's proactive approach led to the rapid mobilization of manufacturing capabilities within a short timeframe.
The decision to initiate clinical trials for chloroquine reflects Nigeria's strategic efforts to explore potential treatment options for COVID-19. By collaborating with experienced researchers and streamlining regulatory processes, NAFDAC aims to accelerate the development of effective therapies to combat the pandemic. As the country moves forward with the trial in Lagos State, stakeholders are optimistic about the prospects of chloroquine in treating COVID-19.
In conclusion, Nigeria's proactive approach to testing chloroquine underscores the nation's commitment to confronting the challenges posed by the global health crisis. With NAFDAC at the forefront of regulatory oversight and support for clinical research, Nigeria remains poised to make significant strides in the fight against COVID-19.
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