Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) Vice Chancellor, Prof Celestino Obua expressed discontent with groups that are illicitly producing, selling and distributing the alleged Covid-19 cure; COVIDEX.
Covidex is a product under development in MUST through PHARMBIOTRAC. The product was considered an excellent potential herbal medicine and the brains behind it were advised to go ahead and follow the normal procedures of approval according to the approved procedures on drug development and production in Uganda.
“Unfortunately, the product was leaked to the market before going through the all the required procedures. As MUST we value the safety of the population and wish to follow the right procedures, guided by the National Regulatory and Certification bodies (NDA, UNBS, etc) in the country. We therefore would like to request the general public to be patient and allow this product undergo all necessary procedure e.g., Lab tests, animal tests, clinical trials, production agreements,
certification, registration and licensing before the product can be put on the market for sale,” the statement partly reads.
Any third party interested in the production, distribution or sale of Covidex herbal medicine without prejudice is hereby asked to desist from negotiating any deals with any individual, other than the University authority who ais the holder of the Intellectual Property Rights for this product, and for the avoidance of any doubts, in this case Mbarara University of Science and Technology authority.
“The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) is hereby advised to work with Mbarara University of Science and Technology if they are interested in supporting Dr Patrick Ogwang and the team who have development of COVIDEX, but not at the exclusion of MUST, the IP owners of the product. Jena Herbals (U) Ltd, is hereby put on notice to stop any production, distribution or sale of COVIDEX without the express permission of Mbarara University of Science and Technology who is the IP holder of the product. Stand warned,” the notice warned.
The nation still awaits a homemade remedy for the corona virus that has brought the entire world to its knees. Covidex is perhaps a glimmer of hope in this indefinite struggle.
