Nigeria approves use of experimental Ebola drug

The National Health Research Ethics Committee,
Nigeria, has approved the use of an experimental
Ebola drug, Zmapp, for treatment of patients
infected with the virus.
The committee, which composed research
scientists, is a national body under the Federal
Ministry of Health.
The endorsement is contained in a statement
issued to newsmen by Prof. Clement Adebamowo,
Chairman of the committee on Wednesday in Abuja.
The decision by the committee is coming on the
heels of Tuesday’s approval by the World Health
Organisation (WHO) on the use of Zmapp for
treatment of Ebola patients.
“It is ethical to use these treatments in the current
situation without first submitting an application to
National, State or Institutional Health Research
Ethics Committee for prior review and approval.
“In addition, the Committee waives the current
requirement that international shipment of any
biological samples out of Nigeria should be
preceded by the establishment of a Materials
Transfer Agreement.
“ This waiver is to promote rapid international
response to this global emergency,’’ the statement
said.
In the statement, the Nigerian National Code for
Health Research Ethics emphasised that all
innovative and non-validated treatments should be
carefully and adequately documented.
According to the statement, the documentation can
form the basis for clinical trials of the efficacy and
side effects of the treatment according to
established scientific principles.
In the statement, the ethics committee enjoined all
agencies, development partners and research
scientists to follow the guideline for the rapid
resolution of the current emergency.
“The guideline will contribute to preparedness in
case of future occurrences and contribution to
scientific knowledge.
“It must be noted that all Phase O and Phase I
Clinical Trials that may subsequently be designed
for treatment of this infection can be approved only
by the National Health Research Ethics Committee,’’
it said. (NAN)