The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Prof. Abdulsalami Nasidi, has said that Nigerian scientists have the capacity to manufacture snake anti-venom when the present manufacturer, Wyeth Nutrition in Nigeria, ceases to do so on October 31.
Wyeth had announced that after October 31, there might be no commercially available antivenin for use in the country, as all the existing vials of Micrurus fulvius will expire on the said date.
Micrurus fulvius is the only anti-venom approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for treating coral snake bites in the country.
Wyeth Nutrition in Nigeria is now owned by Pfizer.
Nasidi said the success the nation’s scientists recorded in tackling the Ebola virus, coupled with Nigeria’s partnership with the United Kingdom to start producing Micrurus fulvius once approval is granted, gave him the confidence.
Nasidi said Nigeria has the requisite skills and capability to produce snake anti-venom and bridge the gap if the Federal Government is ready to invest in its production.
He said that the anti-snake venom is presently being produced by Echi TAB, in collaboration with the United Kingdom and Costa Rica.
“Between $3m and $5m is needed to undertake the scientific studies needed to get it approved by the appropriate authorities,” Nasidi said.
According to him, “There is really no need for panic, as Nigeria and the United Kingdom will rise to the challenge and fill the gap if great investments are made to have it approved by the relevant authorities.”
Expert in snakebite treatment, Mr. Joe Pittman, expressed dismay that the estimated amount of money needed for the requisite studies is lacking.
BY: SOLAADE AYO-ADERELE
THE PUNCH
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