A drug development expert from Nigeria challenged universities in Uganda to lead in development of drugs.
The expert, Dr Hassan Danesi from Nigeria made the call on Friday last week during a semi-virtual public dialogue organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation- Office of the President with the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) under the topic “Drug Development: Concept and Opportunities.”
Dr. Hassan Danesi from Nigeria who was a Keynote Speaker said African countries and universities have the capability to start developing drugs.
The expert who has been in the drug development field for over 12 years said African countries and universities must use opportunities such as developing a drug from scratch by building a scientifically sound clinical research environment based on ICH/GCP guidelines and participating in an ongoing trial to generate safety and efficacy data specific to a country.
Dr. Hassan who is a Senior Medical Director, Global Drug Development, and Executive Vice President H & H Lifesciences said there are four steps involved in the development of drugs.
“Step 1: Discovery and Development – Research for a new drug begins in the laboratory. Step 2: Pre-Clinical Research – Drugs undergo laboratory and animal testing to answer basic questions about safety. Step 3: Clinical Research – Drugs are tested on people to make sure they are safe and effective and Step 4: Agency Review – Review teams thoroughly examine all of the submitted data related to the drug and decide to approve or not to approve the new drug,” he said.
Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza who was the Chief Guest said the government of Uganda is committed to supporting the development of drugs in the country. The Minister said drug development needs the collaboration of various scientists.
According to the Minister, the government is supporting the first step of drug development in Uganda.
The public dialogue was moderated by the Rector IUIU Professor Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda. Professor Gyagenda said IUIU commits to working with the Government and other universities to ensure that drug development is actualized in the country.
The event was attended by people from several countries such as Turkey, the United States of America, Malaysia, and Sudan.
