is dreaming of Nicosan4All ;-)
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Someone will want to edit out the duplicate line here...?
I would but don't have login
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While not Nicosan directed, the problem is related to our drug imo. If nothing else, Malaria is closer to SCD.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Malaria and the menace of fake drugs
By Editorial Board
Last week, a combined team of International Police, World Health Organisation’s officials, some scientists and Chinese authorities arrested dealers in fake anti-malaria drugs in Southern China. They also confiscated a large quantity of these drugs. According to reports, the global fake drug business is worth about $40 billion a year. Much of these counterfeit drugs, which largely contain chalk or maize flour, are found in poor Asian and African markets.
Although the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control said recently that fake drug business had gone down to below 15 per cent in Nigeria, the phenomenon is still a major problem.
Greedy and unscrupulous businessmen usually collude with drug manufacturers in India, China, Pakistan, etc, to produce fake and substandard drugs for the Nigerian market. They either reduce the active ingredients of these drugs or they don’t put the right ones at all. They perpetrate this illegal act in order to fleece innocent consumers.
This still boils down to the wrong values and get-rich-quick syndrome among many Nigerians. Nigerian society adores wealth no matter how it is acquired. That is why somebody will manufacture or import fake drugs just to make quick money and be celebrated by the society. It does not matter to the person if millions of people are harmed or killed as a consequence of that profiteering.
Undoubtedly, millions of Nigerians have died and more are dying of diseases that could have easily been cured if the right drugs were administered. Some have developed resistance to some of these adulterated pharmaceuticals owing largely to the small quantity of active ingredients in the drugs. That malaria has remained a major killer disease in this country is partly because people take fake drugs that tend to worsen rather than ameliorate the problem. For instance, artesunate is said to be very effective against malaria. Even the Federal Government recommends it as the most potent drug to fight the scourge. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous drug producers are reportedly trying hard to fake this medicine as well.
The efforts of Chinese authorities to arrest the menace is commendable. Apart from the recent arrest of fake drug merchants and seizure of counterfeit drugs, the Chinese authorities, last July, convicted and executed the former director of the country’s food and drug safety agency, Zheng Xiaoyu, for taking 6.49m ($1m) in bribes from pharmaceutical firms in return for approving substandard drugs for distribution.
It will be helpful if the war started in China could be extended to other nations. In Nigeria, NAFDAC has done a lot to sanitise the drug business. The dogged fight of the Director General of the agency, Prof. Dora Akunyili, against drug counterfeiters has earned her and her agency accolades and awards from local and international bodies. This recognition should buoy the agency up to redouble its efforts in the fight against the fake drug menace.
Beyond effective drug administration, the government should go to the root of malaria disease by attacking the breeding points of mosquitoes through fumigation. In more advanced countries, government agencies often fumigate the environment. All tiers of government in the country should emulate this ideal. Besides, people should learn to keep their gutters and the environment generally clean at all times.
Nigeria is in the tropics where incidents of malaria and the mortality rate resulting thereof are quite alarming. It is high time government shifted the attention it has given to AIDS to malaria, which is a worse killer in Nigeria. It is not enough for health officials to rely on insecticide-treated nets; rather there is need for a more holistic approach. Above all, those apprehended by NAFDAC for counterfeit drug offences should be promptly brought to justice in order to deter other merchants of death.
http://odili.net/news/source/2008/feb/22/435.html
From two years ago... how far we've come imo
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Don seeks varsities, firms' alliance in drug production
From Collins Olayinka, Abuja
RESEARCH institutes and the universities have been charged to make meaningful contributions to the development of the pharmaceutical industry.
The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) made the call in Abuja at the third Dr. Fred Adenika Memorial Lecture, which had as its theme: "The Contributions of Research Institutes and Universities in Pharmaceutical Research in Nigeria".
In the paper, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu Campus, Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo, observed that major stakeholders in the universities, research institutes, the pharmaceutical industry and the government, had in the past worked at cross-purposes which had stunted the growth of the industry.
"Stakeholders in the research and development in the pharmaceutical fields are universities/research institutes, the pharmaceutical industry and the government. The goals, aspirations and focus of these parties in our country have not been coherent. This is because of lack of convergence of vision and mission in research and development", she said.
Presently, a yawning gap exists between obtaining research results and commercialisation efforts. The contribution of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) are recognised.
In particular, NIPRD has been able to develop some plant-based medicines which are in various stages of clinical trials: Niprisan (capsules and syrup) for the management of sickle-cell disease; Nipripan, an anti-ulcer preparation and Niprifan, a highly effective topical anti-fungal agent.
However, NIPRD is yet to fully liaise with the universities to tap from the abundant research data for the achievement of its objectives", she said.
Femi-Oyewo, who lamented the dearth of research in patient-oriented practice otherwise known as pharmaceutical care, urged the nation's pharmacists to follow the current global trend.
"Current global pharmacy practice is patient-oriented practice (pharmaceutical care). Therefore, Nigerian pharmacy practice should shift towards this line as well. However, there is a dearth of research in this area, especially on pharmaceutical management of diseased-states such as in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS.)
"For instance, how prepared are we to care for patients receiving
anti-retroviral? Other areas include the role of pharmacists in public health, treatment of special care patients", she said.
http://odili.net/news/source/2006/feb/23/53.html
Thanks MaryKateAustin for xkem chart and opinions
Yes, wonderful to know that this was recognized even 25 years ago. There has been huge progress on many fronts in Nigeria since those days, including the recognition of Traditional Herbal Medicine as a Real and Valuable Asset to the Nation and it's People.
SCIENCE WATCH; BELIEF IN REINCARNATION IS FADING IN NIGERIA
Published: September 27, 1983
UNDER the heading, 'Occasional Myth,' the British medical journal Lancet has reported that the belief in reincarnation, widely held in Nigeria for many centuries, has waned in the past 30 years because of medical advances. According to a physician at the Clinical Research Center in Harrow, England, the children once thought to be reincarnated were most probably suffering the effects of sickle-cell anemia.
The physician, Dr. James K. Onwubalili, said the disorder would explain the clinical features and natural history of what some Nigerian tribes believed were cases of reincarnation. The child, for example, was usually normal for the first few months after birth, but then lapsed into chronic ill- health, failed to grow normally and almost invariably died before its 10th birthday. These are features of sickle-cell anemia. Since children with similar patterns of affliction were born into the same family in the same or subsequent generations, the belief in reincarnation developed to explain the pattern.
Dr. Onwubalili, examining case histories, noted that the so-called reincarnate children died of the same communicable diseases that are the major causes of early death among people with sickle-cell anemia. With the widespread introduction of antibacterial and antimalarial medicines, improved public health measures and the recognition of the nature of sickle-cell anemia, many Nigerians with the disorder are now living well beyond childhood. The oldest Nigerians with sickle-cell anemia are now in their fifth decade of life.
Consequently, Dr. Onwubalili said, there has been the 'near-extinction of the people's belief in reincarnation.'
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9904E4DC1F38F934A1575AC0A965948260
The exports by American Plastics Technologies, Inc., Schiller Park, Ill.; FinancialBridge, Inc., Miami, Fla.; Nitra Group, Aventura, Fla.; and Fischer Scientific Co. LLC, Suwanee, Ga., are being made possible by a $9.3 million loan guarantee from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). American Plastics Technologies and FinancialBridge both are small businesses.
Lagos takes free health care to Grassroots
Stories by florence udoh
ANALYSIS
21 February 2008
Determined to make healthcare available, accessible and affordable for the residents of the state, Lagos state government, through the Eko Free Health Mission, has provided free consultation and free treatment for various ailments including surgeries for people in all nooks and crannies of the state.
Disclosing this recently, in his office at Alausa, Ikeja, the Lagos state Commissioner for health, Dr Jide Idris, in what he tagged "taking healthcare to the rural area," noted that Lagos has one of the fastest growing population in the country, a situation he said, has inadvertently increased the disease burden of the state.
To this effect, Idris said, the goal of the present administration with respect to the health sector is "basically to protest, promote, and restore the health of Lagosians and to facilitate their reasonable access to health services without financial or any other barriers."
Speaking further, the Commissioner said, "the challenge therefore for this administration has always been to continually find ways of improving the health status of the ever growing population."
The commissioner who noted that, this being the seventh mission in the series of Eko Free Health Mission, disclosed that this seventh mission was for Lagos East Senatorial district.
"The plan of the Government is to take these missions to the grassroot level. You would recollect that we had similar missions to the Lagos central, Lagos west district and others last year, and now we are doing for Lagos East."
The seventh mission of Eko Free Health mission kicked off last Saturday an will be on till Saturday February 23rd at Ikorodu Local Government Area and also the Ikorodu General Hospital, 8 am daily every day.
The commissioner said the plan of government is to take the free mission to the grass-root level and he thus urged every Lagosian with all manners of ailments to troop out to benefit from the mission.
"I therefore call on every person who may be suffering from any kind of ailment and who is financially handicapped to come forward and receive treatments free of charge," Idris said.
According to him, the beneficiaries are all Lagosians especially people who cannot afford the cost of medicare especially the elderly and children. Surgeries to be carried out include fibroids, appendix, repair of hernias, removal of Ovarian cysts and many others.
Other healthcare services include, Dental treatment, eye treatments, general consultation, diarrhoea treatment, Caesarian section and others.
http://www.champion-newspapers.com/daily%20champion%20files/health/article_1.htm
______________________________
NAFDAC seeks permanent office, new salary scale
WILLIAM ATTAH
For enhanced performance of its duties, the National Agency For Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has asked the House of Representatives to consider special salary structure for its employees.
The agency also wants the Lower chamber to assist it secure a permanent site/office complex, improved security for its workers, prompt payment of pensions and provision of new vehicles to boost its efficiency.
Director of Enforecement and Regulation, NAFDAC, Mr. Dioka Ejionueme presented the requests to the Lawmakers recently, in Lagos during a visit of the House Committee on Health to the agency.
He said: "Since 2004 when NAFDAC’s offices were razed, there has not been any proper accomodation for most of the workers portakabins used as offices litter NAFDAC’s laboratory complex at Oshodi such that the premises is congested. The situation is unhealthy and raises serious security implications for both workers and the agency facilities."
Ejionueme said there was an urgent need for a more spacious and serene environment for NAFDAC employees to operate in so that they can perform at optimal level.
http://www.champion-newspapers.com/daily%20champion%20files/health/article_2.htm
The struggle to have an improved health system in Nigeria is as important as having all the basic needs of life. It is high time Nigerians wakeup and demand for their right for good health. It is time for us to begin to form alliances and regroup for the struggle to ensure quality, efficient, effective , sustained and equitable health system across the country .
It is time we demand that our chosen leaders who have the means to travel abroad give us good health system since we can’t afford the money for VISA, how much more the money for flight tickets or hospital bills in foreign medical care centres that run into millions. Health workers in the sector are emigrating for greener pastures. These are indicators of our failed health system. Good health is our right; let’s join hands to demand for it.
Considering the importance of the reform to the Nigerian Health System, stakeholders in the industry had exerted confidence that the bill would be passed to law and had even gone ahead in putting in place a framework that would ensure its implementation across the three tiers of government. It was expected that change agents would be identified all over the federation and be supported with training to advocate effectively.
The stalemate that has become the fate of the National Health Bill on the floor of the Senate has continued to generate concerns among critical minded Nigerians. In this piece, ADESHOLA KOMOLAFE dwells on the imperativeness of the timely passage of the bill by the Senate and the benefits attached to it.
•Komolafe writes from Abuja
http://www.leadershipnigeria.com/product_info.php?products_id=22553
THe dspa™ ngo
The project seeks to provide a forum where Africans, especially the youths, can come up with a plan of action for solving the pressing problems of Africa...poverty, lack of efficient infrastructure, inefficiency in various ministerial sectors. Secondly, with a united voice become a source of positive motivation on African governments to address our concerns, and also take steps in the right direction. A fora where innovative ideas of individuals can gain a support network and be fine-tuned into full-proof solutions to the country's problems. So what do we hope to achieve from this project? It’s simple! A better and more peaceful Africa! We all want things to be more convenient. I mean who doesn’t want to just wake up and walk to a supermarket and buy groceries or drive on nice roads without getting a headache or go out freely without at least two beggars running after your car for alms. Certainly many of us want these things. VRural areas deserve clean water, constant electricity, and good healthcare. Students need libraries, moral support and a enabling environment for education. Just like we fight for human rights, freedom of speech, we must fight for the right to live well.
ABOUT THE PROJECT 'If there's a problem, DO SUMTHING™' Africa is our fatherland and we have to do something if there is a problem .
What we do now? Many return from overseas complaining about the problems of Nigeria but no one does anything. Everyone only talks about it, but no one takes any action. There are too many problems in Nigeria, starting with poor social infrastructure, maintenance of roads, armed robbery, bribery and corruption, lack of jobs and poverty. DoS umthing™ means that these issues need to be faced so Nigeria can be a better place for the younger generation. The whole concept is simple. The Nigeria Youths in Diaspora have an advantage to channel their broadly acquired experiences to improve our national values, inspire a change and engineer solution to emerging concerns.
So if there is a problem, DO SUMTHING, if you perceive a problem DO SUMTHING™. You know we don't need corruption and are fed up with it, Lets DO SUMTHING™, our social services are poor and we need better conditions, lets Do Sumthing. Many Nigerians are dying because of poverty, lets DO SUMTHING™.
What It Takes Do Sumthing Voice, Energy and Drive, International Exposure, Networks and vast skills that can be put to use and we have them all.
How We Can Do Sumthing We can achieve our aim using public education to reach Government Officials, Authorities and Our Parents - we have to remind them that we are the future of Africa, that our needs like that of youths living in Africa are important and we have a role to play. We can participate in reach out programs for value change and re-orientation, promote and engage in skills and knowledge transfer. We have to drive change through alliances (at home and in Diaspora), which can assist many youths who are talented and intelligent, who can be leaders of tomorrow but withered by either unconducive or violent environment. Millions of children today are dying because of poverty, discrimination, conflict, poor governance and sickness and we have all it takes and can put them to use to make a change. Let's Get Started What is your New Year resolution this year? If you're unsure why not start by getting involved in this project. Lets support each other 's drive to see a new Africa. Let's give back to our community through gains of our education, experience, talents and skills and push the Government to return what has been taken from people through bad governance and bane of our society. Each one of us can give back to our fellow Nigerians by supporting this project and sharing our thoughts and concerns of Africa.
The Nigerian society for instance is plagued, despite efforts to save it; this is a major obstacle to youth development. Poor parentage and infrastructure, corruption, crime, the ‘success at all cost’ syndrome has created despiration in its citizens to migrate. Research depict thousands of youths in diaspora dont return home. It is our firm belief It is our firm believes that these issues can be overcome. DSPN™ believes that these problems can become a thing of the past through the various laudable set goals by the organization. The whole concept is simple. The African youths in Diaspora will be encouraged to channel their broadly acquired experiences towards improving our national values, inspire a change in our perspectives about our country and further engineer solutions to emerging concerns.
http://dosumthing.org/
I have emailed them, so has TheExiledRaven, perhaps you will in time. My only suggestion would be to not mention Xechem beyond a passing reference. It is about Nicosan and the sufferers at this point imo. thanks.
Thus, by giving information, creating awareness, providing care and allowing people express themselves, THESE GENES: the Sickle Cell Project will show this disorder in practical day-to-day terms.
THESE GENES; The Sickle Cell Project, is an initiative of Tosyn Bucknor in partnership with ZAPPHAIRE EVENTS and s.h.a.r.e
WHAT IS SICKLE CELL?
Sickle Cell is a genetically inherited disease that affects the cells of the individual
Sickle cell anaemia is a serious condition in which the red blood cells can become sickle-shaped (that is, shaped like a “C”).
Normal red blood cells are smooth and round like a doughnut without a hole. They move easily through blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Sickle-shaped cells don’t move easily through blood. They’re stiff and sticky and tend to form clumps and get stuck in blood vessels.
The clumps of sickle cells block blood flow in the blood vessels that lead to the limbs and organs. Blocked blood vessels can cause pain, serious infections, and organ damage.
Sickle-Cell disorder has no known cure as yet though advances in science hold out hope for the future.
WHAT IS THESE GENES?
THESE GENES; the Sickle Cell Project, aims at putting a human face to the disorder. While there are facts and figures and definitions for the disease, there are no facts for how much of an emotional battle a person living with sickle-cell goes through, or the financial implications of the disorder. Thus, by giving information, creating awareness, providing care and allowing people express themselves, THESE GENES: the Sickle Cell Project will show this disorder in practical day-to-day terms.
THE project has FOUR main TASKS
• Going to SECONDARY SCHOOLS to interact with the students, inform them, and allow them express their opinions through art and music
• Run an ESSAY COMPETITION, open to any individual who suffers from the effects of sickle-cell, directly or indirectly. The winning entries will then be published in a book
• Provide care and drugs to sicklers from UNDERPRIVILEGED backgrounds
• Shoot a SHORT FILM, looking at the lives of FIVE people living well with the disorder
DURATION OF PROJECT
This Project will in 2008, run between January and August.
AS PART OF ITS FUNDRAISING DRIVE, THESE GENES; THE SICKLE CELL PROJECT, WILL BE AUCTIONING OFF TWO HOURS WITH VARIOUS CELEBRITIES.
TO PARTICIPATE AND BID ON YOUR FAVOURITE CELEBRITY, JUST TYPE
GENES + NAME OF CELEB + AMOUNT YOU ARE BIDDING + YOUR NAME
TO 33056
http://www.thesegenes.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
What is the level of awareness and government support?
Awareness is low
Why?
No advocates. Nobody is speaking for the community. We have few but they need more advocates. We have sent proposal to all state governments to include Ciklavit in their prescription for management but nothing has been forthcoming. Only Oyo state’s first lady promised to do something about it. So government is not doing enough.
May be it is because it is not communicable?
May be. Also, I discovered sickle cell is more prevalent among the poor because it is an issue of ignorance. Once you know you don’t want to get involved.
Enlightened ones will stay away. I think awareness is what is most needed.
While this is an interview wrt Ciklavit, it is not different for Nicosan... the turmoil within Xechem does not bode well for support from outside sources, which means our BOD either get's their act together soon...
chart agrees ...imo
I did send email Goldrush2001. ... clrmng ... huh? no comprende re PM lol
-----------
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised cross-over clinical trial of NIPRISAN® in patients with Sickle Cell Disorder
Authors: Wambebe C.1; Khamofu H.2; Momoh J.A.3; Ekpeyong M.2; Audu B.S.2; Njoku O.S.4; Bamgboye E.A.5; Nasipuri R.N.6; Kunle O.O.6; Okogun J.I.7; Enwerem M.N.7; Audam J.G.1; Gamaniel K.S.1; Obodozie O.O.8; Samuel B.8; Fojule G.2; Ogunyale O.9
Source: Phytomedicine, Volume 8, Number 4, 1 August 2001 , pp. 252-261(10)
Publisher: Urban & Fischer
Abstract:
The study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of NIPRISAN®, a phytomedicine, developed for the management of patients with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD). The study design is a placebo-controlled double blind cross-over trial. Eighty-two (82) patients with SCD were recruited and randomised into two groups. An initial 4 month pre-trial study was undertaken to determine the similarity of the groups. The main study was conducted over a twelve-month period with cross-over at six months. Safety of the drug was assessed clinically and biochemically.
NIPRISAN® significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the frequency of SCD crisis associated with severe pains. Acute toxicity to the liver assessed by the activities of liver enzymes, indicate that NIPRISAN® is safe. Renal function assessed by the serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen remained normal.
Both the clinical and laboratory results of the present phase IIB (pivot) clinical study suggest that NIPRISAN® is a safe and efficacious phytomedicine for the management of patients with Sickle Cell Disorder.
Keywords: NIPRISAN®; Sickle Cell Disorder; crisis; severe pains; acute toxicity
Language: English
Document Type: Original article
Affiliations: 1: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria 2: NIPRD Clinic, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research & Development (NIPRD), P. M. B. 21, Abuja, Nigeria 3: National Hospital for Women and Children, Abuja, Nigeria 4: Army Base Hospital, Yaba, Nigeria 5: University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria 6: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria 7: Department of Medicinal Plant Research and Traditional Medicine, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria 8: Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria 9: Opp. Oyo West Baptist Conference Camp, Abojupa Layout, Eleekan, Ilora Oyo, Box 1901, Oyo, Oyo State
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/urban/211/2001/00000008/00000004/art00040;jsessionid=9aqich24mboms.alexandra?
Hi All... where are you? I was in travel mode past 10 days, but it appears not much has happened in the meantime, and the board is gettingreallyquiet!!! no posts all day??? Funny how we can go from 100dreds of posts to zero - well, ok, funny -no, sad -yes.
Anyway, this is interesting and recent, anyone know who this is? I have emailed the poster.
NICOSAN for the Treatment of Sickle Cell
Submitted by Asclepius on February 17, 2008 - 10:35am.
NICOSAN for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease
There is a relatively new treatment for sickle cell being
produced in Nigeria by an American company called NICOSAN®,
it's proprietary name is NIPRISAN® . It was developed on
the premise of traditional Nigerian plant based medicinal
practices for the treatment of sickle cell disease.
It has been tested through phase IIb clinical trials and
found to be highly efficacious. Phase III trials have yet
to be completed however it was approved for sale in Nigeria
based on phase IIb trials and toxicity studies which showed
it to be safe and non-toxic.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised cross-over
clinical trial of NIPRISAN® in patients with Sickle Cell
Disorder
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B7GVW-4DS346T-1S&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=211981d545303693affebb8c012d2cac
Efficacy of Niprisan in the prophylactic management of
patients with sickle cell disease
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VS8-43DFJCH-G&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=10528ecbab3ec7e977301fb9f2688ef6
NIPRISAN -- Nix-0699 Toxicity Studies
http://www.biospace.com/news_story.aspx?StoryID=15890720&full=1
Niprisan (Nix-0699) improves the survival rates of
transgenic sickle cell mice under acute severe hypoxic
conditions
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04536.x?journalCode=bjh
NIPRISAN Case, Nigeria
A Report for GenBenefit (2007)
http://www.theparliament.com/NR/rdonlyres/F46A1A12-0A1A-41DA-9F5D-A11486CA9BFA/0/Nigerian_Case.pdf
This drug is a major advancement in the treatment of sickle
cell disease unfortunately it is not available in the U.S..
Although the compound has been granted orphan drug status
by the FDA and the regulatory body of the European Union,
to date investigational drug applications for the approval
process have yet to be submitted. Getting a drug approved
in either area is extremely expensive. Until there is
funding available to proceed with the FDA and EU
applications it will be difficult for non-Nigerians to
obtain the drug.
I do say difficult but it is not impossible. If you have a
hematologist or hemoncologist who is willing to put fourth
the effort there are special dispensations available
through the FDA for the importation of unapproved drugs on
a compassionate use basis.
"Expanded access program (EAP). EAPs are typically designed
to provide widespread access to a drug that has proven
efficacy in clinical trials but is still awaiting FDA
approval. They’re similar to standard clinical trials with
a specific treatment plan and certain FDA requirements, but
they have looser patient eligibility criteria. More than
23,000 U.S. cancer patients enrolled in an EAP for Iressa
before it was FDA-approved, for example."
"Single patient use. This program offers an experimental
drug to an individual patient, rather than a group. The FDA
approves these uses on a case-by-case basis. Decisions are
based on other treatments already available and information
about the drug’s efficacy and potential toxicities."
http://www.curetoday.com/backissues/v3n3/departments/specialreport/index.html
To date I have no knowledge that anyone has sought any
single use or expanded access from the FDA for Nicosan.
Unfortunately regardless of the dissemination of this
information thus far no one has put forth the effort to
obtain the drug for use.
If just one person would start the ball rolling with a
caring and concerned medical practitioner it could open up
the drug for wide spread use by tens of thousands of
patients across the U.S. Unfortunately thus far the general
response I receive is that people don't believe that their
physician would be interested in going to this sort of
effort nor do they themselves seem to be inclined to seek
the use of a treatment that could potentially end their
crises.
There has to be at least one physician out there who has
enough care and concern for his patients to be willing to
put forth the effort necessary to obtain this medication
legally. I urge anyone who is effected by sickle cell to
approach their physicians with this information and attempt
to obtain this treatment not only for themselves but for
all patients who could potentially benefit from it's use.
We already know the benefits of the treatments available in
the U.S. and the E.U.. In many cases they are only
marginally effective or in the case of hydroxyurea cause
side effects so serious that many choose not to use it as
treatment. Here we have an opportunity to use a treatment
that has been shown to be highly effective, eradicating
crises in the majority of patients and reducing crises by
50% in the most refractory cases.
Although the clinical trial group was what the casual
reader might interpret as quite small it is common for
drugs which fall into the orphan drug category to use small
sample groups. Many orphan drugs have been approved based
on very small phase II and phase IIb clinical trials in the
U.S. In the case of FDA fast track status, a drug may be
approved during phase II trials if the drug shows
significant advantage over current approved therapies for
life threatening illness.
Fast Track Designation is a program that, if granted, is
designed to facilitate the development and expedite the
review of new drugs, thereby allowing the FDA to approve
drugs used to treat a serious condition or a
life-threatening disease with less safety data following
the conclusion of phase II studies, rather than phase III,
the normal practice.
The main criterion for a Fast Track Designated drug is the
potential to treat a life-threatening illness or fill a
major unmet medical need. Fast Track may be submitted with
the IND or at any time during the clinical development of
the drug. The Fast Track designation may allow a company's
application to follow Priority Review, Standard Review, or
a Rolling Review of the application.
http://www.fda.gov/CbER/gdlns/fsttrk.pdf
Nicosan by Western standards is an extremely inexpensive
drug. It is available in Nigeria without prescription at
$23/month for adults and child doses at $18/month.
Here is a link to the company and product website.
http://xechemnigeria.com/products.htm
I sincerely hope that you find this information helpful. I
would encourage you to to forward and post this information
to any person, blog or website where persons effected by
sickle cell anemia can have access to this information.
Feel free to write me with any questions or you may have.
NicosanForSickleCell@yahoo.com
http://community.thenewstribune.com/?q=node/32314
... it is not all that recent...
Name xechem
Status REGISTERED
Registered July 15, 2006
Last update October 25, 2007 3:29 PM
Registrant
Language English
Email
Registrant technical contacts
Name Mario Stylianou
Language English
Address
Email
Registrar technical contacts
Name Technical Department
Organisation planA Corp
Language English
Address Heywood House
0000 South Hill
Anguilla
Phone +1.2122022304
Fax +1.8666185853
Email staff@planacorp.net
Registrar
Organisation Domain Services Limited
( a planA Corp subsidiary )
Website www.eunames.net
Nameservers
ns1.eunames.net
ns2.eunames.net
http://www2.whois.eu/public/whois/GetWhois.htm;jsessionid=2E7525EF64B1F5650060876C93562F6E
... nice to see some buying going on... eom
Meet Ayodele Akindipe, Registrar, Federal College Of Complement
In the genre herbal medicine, Dr. Ayodele Akindipe, the registrar and chief executive officer of the newly established Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine is respected as a rare gem. A perusal of the catalogue of his achievements in the world of herbal medicine and its application in support of the nation's health care delivery system, obviously speaks volumes of his enviable rating.
Little wonder his appointment as helmsman of the college by the President Umaru Yar'Adua-led government was described by virtually all the stakeholders in the herbal medicine sector as a round peg placed in a round hole.
Before revealing the genesis of his sojourn in the world of complementary and alternative medicine, Akindipe, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and a top staff member of Federal Ministry of Health, explained the concept of complementary and alternative medicine.
"The concept of complementary and alternative medicine is not just all about herbal medicine.
There is a difference between herbal medicine and herbalism. Herbal medicine is under alternative medicine, because under it, you can go as far as knowing the toxicology and pharmacology of the plant contents, but in herbalism you don't need this. Herbalism is under traditional medicine. You actually don't need to carry out any research as regards the components of the plant. Its herbal medicine that has been passed from one generation to the other. But our plants pass through toxicology and pharmacology in order to detect the effect of the plant – whether it's poisonous or not. Alternative and complementary medicine is basically another form of medicine which is parallel with orthodox medicine. The foundation is the same but differs in treatment. While orthodox practitioners give drugs, we offer what we call remedies or manipulation. Remedies are some of the things produced from our treated plants and can come in form of capsules. Another difference is that, while drugs could be manufactured with a formula, you cannot manufacture natural remedies, because it has got to do with the nature. Manipulation means therapy. It involves neither drugs nor remedies. Manipulation can come in form of bone or muscles adjustment. It's now in vogue in Europe and America. There is also acupuncture, which can be applied to relieve pains easily from the body. It's also applicable in surgery without necessarily opening up patients."
From a young age, I developed interest in herbal medicine and plants. Many people find it difficult to believe that apart from my formal training, I had gotten to know the usefulness, application and efficacy of most of the plants through my dreams right from a very young age," Akindipe revealed.
The registrar, who holds a PhD from Open International University for Alternative Medicine, India, explained what led to the emergence of the college and its standard compared to what is obtainable in other parts of the world.
"The advocacy for the establishment of the college had been on right from former president Obasanjo’s days in office. Though I work in the Federal Ministry of Health, I had always been in the vanguard, along with other colleagues of mine, advocating for the establishment of the college. Our prayers were actually answered by the President Umaru Yar'Adua government when he granted our request.
Right now, apart from Abuja which serves as our main campus, we have campuses in Enugu and Lagos. And our projection is to establish campuses in all the six geopolitical zones. In order to achieve the expected standard, the college was actually set up by an act of the parliament, just like any other government-owned tertiary institution.
Any moment from now, we will be commencing the academic session, and we have a strong determination to take the health care delivery system to the next level. The truth is that there are a lot of diseases now ravaging mankind, and orthodox practitioners appear not to have solutions to these killer diseases. And since it has been established that alternative medicine has a 80-90 per cent chance of providing solutions to ward off these diseases, why should we fold our arms and watch helplessly? This is illogical, and I am happy the government has realised this fact, and this is why we are being supported financially to achieve the best."
Asked whether the seeming success of his efforts would not spark rivalry between complementary and alternative practitioners and orthodox doctors, he said:
"No, I don't think so. We are to complement each other. Besides, the result will be there for everyone to see. Thank God our activities and modus operandi are clearly spelt out by the law, and the question of being tagged as quacks is not there. While orthodox practitioners’ activities are being superintended by the Medical and Dental Council, ours will be regulated by the Complementary and Alternative Medical Council of Nigeria. The whole thing is about achieving the best for our health care delivery system.
I believe that we have it all here. We can't just continue to jet out for minor ailments. If this is not checked, it will be a disservice on our part. Let other people come and seek medical attention here instead of going out of the country on a daily basis for medical treatment."
According to Dr. Akindipe, when fully established, the college would afford the nation the dual advantage of improving our health care delivery system, as well as creating employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
How can this be achieved? "I must let you know that the college is a blessing to Nigeria, in the sense that it will be departmentalised into four segments, namely: teaching hospital for practicals and patients; production unit for production of our remedies; research centres in strategic parts of the country, because plants differ from one place to another; and botanical gardens to preserve our plants so as check their extinction.
Already, we have secured some botanical gardens in Abuja. All these would create job opportunities for our unemployed youths across the country."
http://www.leadershipnigeria.com/product_info.php?products_id=18460
Kristy, thanks.
I am thnking that since it is quite apparent there is little knowledge of Nicosan - anywhere, we as a group really could let the World know. IF we wanted to.
Literally, we have the power with just 10 of us to organize the essential research links in paragraph and point form in a one or two page professional style Word document that with the intent to email every single email addy we can find that references SCD in any form. As a group we could then assign to each member of the group xx number of emails and simply mail this finely tuned Word document to all these Agencies and Stakeholders and Doctors and Clubs etc, and then do the same to all the News agencies (TV/Radio/Specialty Channels) whose email addresses are even easier to assemble. Take a bit of organizing and work, but could be done over a 4 week time-frame. And IMO we would succeed in stirring a huge amount of interest from many different sources and angles.
Questions really are (imo),
is it desirable to see the impact of what possibly could be a significant quantity of inquiries to Xechem Intl and XPNL?
and also, is it desirable to establish demand for Nicosan prior to production?
Actually, let's open this to the board for discussions...
Yes, just saw this over there... and Thank You for sharing this. I am a little surprised initially that she was unaware of Nicosan, but after reflecting on this I surmised that as an LPN she would perhaps be more providing relief from suffering rather than specifying treatment ... if you can understand what I am writing. ... anyway, Thanks.
because nicosan.com is taken...
Xechem, Inc. Right people. Right solutions.
http://www.nitride.divx-codecs-frer-download.info/nicosan
as is nicosan.net
http://www.nicosan.es/
ha ha, the year is still very young ... lots of room for others to step in lol - does not matter if anyone reads my posts really (to me)... nine out of ten of my posts are DD for my own satisfaction - helps me to maintain why i bought into this company, now over three years ago...
Following are excerpts only from the linked document... much good stuff in it, these are some of the highlights as I see it. From it I gather that Nigeria knows where she's at, just getting to where she wants to go is more of a challenge than it appears imo...
----------------------------------------------
ADDRESS OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTEROF HEALTH, PROF. ADENIKE GRANGE AT THE 51STNATIONALCOUNCIL ON HEALTH MEETING, LAGOS STATE,NOVEMBER 19-23 2007
Protocol:
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is indeedmy pleasure to be here at this very crucialmeeting of the key policy makers on healthmatters in our dear country. Being our firstmeeting, with this august body since ourassumption in office, it is vital that I share with youthe vision and mission of this administration aswell as listen and obtain your inputs andcommitments to the initiative to createwealth through health.
Introduction:
The theme of this conference derives from Mr President’s 7-point agendathat places a high premium on the development of human capital, andrecognizes that HEALTH and EDUCATION are the twin engines that drivenational development by developing human capital. Mr President’scommitment to making Nigeria one of the top 20 economies by 2020 hasbeen rightfully informed by the Goldman Sach’s team of global economistswho identified Nigeria as having the potential to become one of the top 11 economies in the world by 2020.
Laudable though this may be, there isone impediment and that is the health status of the people by whom this ransormation will take place and that informs the need for a gatheringsuch as this.
... Inmany countries, ours not excluded, the health systems needed to achievethis are on the point of collapse, or are accessible only to particular groupsin the population. This is one of the major challenges that is making theachievement of the MDGs on target a distant dream.
The world has never possessed such asophisticated arsenal of interventions andtechnologies for curing disease and prolonging life.Yet the gaps in health outcomes continue to widen.Much of the ill health, disease, premature death,and suffering we see on such a large scale isneedless, as effective and affordable interventions are available for prevention and treatment. Thereality is straightforward. The power of existinginterventions is not matched by the power of healthsystems to deliver them to those in greatest need,in a comprehensive way, and on an adequatescale.Margaret Chan – Director General WHO
Meeting MDGs 4, 5 and 6: Where are we?The Nigerian health system has undergone tremendous change for theworse in the last two decades. In 2000, the Nigerian health systemperformance was ranked 187thamong the 191 Member States by the WorldHealth Organization. It is therefore not surprising, tragically, that ourmaternal mortality is one of the highest in the world. In fact in the first 5years of the millennium, maternal mortality in Nigeria rose by 14% from 704to 800 per 100,000 live births, further increasing the challenge of meetingthe MDG target of 74 per 100,000 live births by 2015. During the sameperiod, under-5 mortality rate, which is already higher than the average forsub- Saharan Africa, rose from 97 to 110 per 1000, an increase of 13%. Ofthe under-5 mortality, newborn deaths account for 26% and about 74% ofthese occur in the first week of life mainly due to pregnancy and delivery-related complications.
We particularly need to create the enabling environment to attract private investment through the various forms of Public-Private-Partnership (PPP).Currently, Nigeria is in the enviable position of attracting private investment both by local and foreign investors as a result of strong signals of economic growth and improved credit rating following the debt forgiveness and repayment arrangements successfully implemented under the last administration. The health sector will be able to leverage this finance flow as the opportunities of investment become more easily identifiable. We have the advantage on building on the foundation set by the previous Honourable Minister, Prof Eyitayo Lambo who developed a PPP policy andstrategic plan for the Federal Ministry of Health.
Investment Strategy #3: Integrated Disease Management ProgrammesThe leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, especially inchildren under five years of age, remain largely communicable diseasessuch as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, acute respiratory illness, measles,diarrhoeal diseases and vaccine-preventable diseases. Also, in adults thereis increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases with the emergingunhealthy lifestyle practices.
http://fmhng.org/admin/uploadpdf/s%20address.pdf
somehow I don't think so... no sellers - or we would have seen them today imo. also imo - going over .004 tomorrow or Monday ... then again, anybody's guess lol
We Have A Stake In Nigeria – US
Leadership (Abuja)
COLUMN
31 January 2008
Explains goal of AFRICOM
As one of its most strategic partners on a number of political, regional and economic issues, the United States of America says it would not fold its hands and allow a regime that lacks transparency, accountability and democratic values in Nigeria.
The new US ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Robin Renee Sanders, stated this in a press statement issued yesterday in Abuja.
...Mrs. Sanders, who arrived Nigeria five weeks ago is "the first US ambassador that has been on the ground in Rivers and Delta States in several years," said the statement.
The ambassador said that what she heard during her "listening tour" from Nigerians was that "the Nigerian people want an evolving and transparent democracy that advances their life goals and that they see the United States as an advocate and partner in these efforts, particularly on anti-corruption issues."
She said the US was a "friend with the same goals," as most Nigerians and outlined the US way forward as a "vision for 2008 that was a framework for partnership, which include, governing justly, transparently and democratically, investing in people, peace and security, enhancing business and economic ties."
...Her words: "The United States wants to partner with Nigeria's federal and state governments on investing in their people in a transformational way.
"I am dedicated to a partnership with stewardship that works towards realising the aspirations for a better quality of life for all Nigerian people. The way forward for the US-Nigerian relationship is through dialogue, cooperation and partnership."
Meanwhile, the US government has explained that the proposed African Command (AFRICOM) is not targeted at recolonising Africa or taking over the volatile Niger Delta region through military action.
... "The point I wish to make today is that AFRICOM's goal is simply to enhance and improve our partnership with Africa. We want to do what we already do more efficiently, and free up more money on the ground to help Africans.
"There is nothing nefarious in AFRICOM, no plan to recolonise Africa, no plan to invade the Delta, or create military bases throughout Africa. It is simply that we decided to reorganise our military in a way that will simply make more sense in cooperating with African nations, and in the end it will strengthen African sovereignty in Africa by strengthening African governments."
... more
http://www.leadershipnigeria.com/product_info.php?products_id=21332
MDGs: Yar’Adua proposes way forward to 2015
Written by Chioma Obinna
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
PRESIDENT Umaru Yar’adua has identified the urgent need to map the way forward in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target by 2015. He spoke at the 39th Annual Scientific Conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Lagos last week, noting that the country’s health system has undergone tremendous change for the worse in the last two decades.
Blaming the poor health indices on these changes he said “It is not surprising and tragically that our maternal mortality ratio is one of the highest in the world. In fact in the first five years of the millennium, maternal mortality in Nigeria rose by 14 per cent from 704 to 800 per 100,000 live births, further increasing the challenge of meeting the MDG target of 74 per 100,000 live births by 2015.”
The President who further stressed government’s committment towards achieving these targets noted that one of the key components to achieving the goals was development of human capital.
To ensure that Nigeria meets the target in time, already a comprehensive National Health investment Plan (NHIP) to achieve the development of human capital has been put in place. He explained that NHIP is an approach for the performance of long range planning, identifying and quantifying amongst others.
Also speaking, Minister of Health, Prof. Adenike Grange who identified that child and maternal health are barometers for other areas of development, described the nation’s health system as weak, unresponsive, inequitable and sometimes unsafe.
Grange said failure in the sector was reflected in the confirmation of a case of yellow fever fatality in Edo State despite being a vaccine preventable disease. Noting that Immunization remains a major challenge in the country, she identified ‘reach every ward’ as biggest strategy to achieve maximum coverage of immunization.
PAN President, Prof. William Ogala called on the Minister of Health to reinstate the operation of full routine immunization programme with a view to ensuring the implementation of the newly inaugurated Integrated Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Initiative (IMNCH).
Ogala stressed the need for concurrent training of young indigenous technocrats in the proper use and maintenance of these facilities, to avoid the experience of the past years when many of the teaching hospitals were inundated with broken-down, non functioning equipment.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5418&Itemid=0
Nigerian Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have formally thrown their weight behind the Federal government’s new initiative to effectively ameliorate the dismal state of the maternal and child care delivery in Nigeria. The initiate known as the Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (IMNCH) Strategies is being spearheaded by the federal ministry of health involves the reorganization and reorientation of the health system to ensure the delivery of a set of essential interventions which will provide a continuum of care for women, neonates and children. The IMNCH strategy is a holistic approach; it replaces the competing calls for mother or child.
(while not XeChem and SCD specific, imo the IMNCH will be the vehicle by which assistance will be provided under the umbrella of achieving the MDGs)
Dr (Sir) John Okaro, President of the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Nigeria (SOGON) made this assertion, Thursday at the opening of the 41st Scientific Conference and AGM of the Society in Benin Nigeria. Dr Okaro was reacting to a speech made by Dr Moji Odeku, Director, Reproductive Health Unit at the Federal Ministry of Health Abuja.
In her speech, Dr Odeku said, the IMNCH represents the articulation of bold and new thinking on how to fast-track comprehensive action to turn around maternal and child health in the country. It pulls together in a practical continuum, an evidence-based maternal, newborn and child health framework for achieving Millennium Development Goals. Since maternal and neonatal mortality are often the result of a badly managed pregnancy and home delivery without a skilled birth attendant, the thousands of needless deaths would be prevented by implementing the integrated maternal, newborn and child health interventions.
She maintained that the new initiative would only be effective when bodies of medical professionals such as SOGON buy in into it and thus reduce the numerous parallel-running programmes on maternal and child healthcare. According to Odeku, IMNCH is a multisectoral approach which can only work when the different sectors acknowledge their roles and start implementing the responsibilities accruing to the roles.
She maintained that a sustained investment and a systematic phased gradation of essential IMNCH interventions, integrated in a continuum of care is required — when these interventions are in place the lives of many more mothers, infants and children will be saved. While commending the Edo State government for the new directive of tree treatment for pregnant women and children under five years, Odeku urged every state government to make adequate investment plans for the human resource and health facility in the areas under their jurisdiction so that the roll-out of IMNCH would yield lasting impact.
Responding, Dr. Okaro, asserted that maternal death, stillbirths and newborn deaths are strongly linked to deliveries which take place outside of health facilities, without properly trained birth attendants in attendance, or in health centres which are not equipped or staffed to handle emergency obstetric or neonate crises. He hoped that with the roll-out and implementation of the IMNCH strategy, the problems of not having skilled attendants, health centres without necessary facilities to deal with obstetric emergency and all the other problems that the members of the Society face in the discharge of their duties.
It is hoped that integrating maternal, newborn and child healthcare services will provide an opportunity for the health sector to eliminate unhelpful dichotomies (i.e. mother vs child, short term vs long term, skilled care vs community approaches, and intrapartum vs continuum of care) that stifle funding and lead to confusion and ultimately cost lives.
The SOGON Conference is a 4-day event with the main theme being Intersectorial collaboration for improving maternal and Neo-natal Health, while the Subthemes are Prevention of Cervical Cancer, Post-partum Haemorrhage.
*Reported by Nnenna Ike
http://devcomsmediadelivernow.blogspot.com/2007/11/imnch-endorsed-by-nigerian.html
Health system in Nigeria, unresponsive - Yar’Adua
Muda Oyeniran, Lagos - 24.01.2008
President Umar Yar'Adua has admitted that the health system in the country is weak, unresponsive, inequitable and sometimes, unsafe.
According to him, recent outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases like Yellow Fever, Measles and Cholera in different parts of the country, leading to the deaths of many Nigerians attested to the fact.
The President, whose address was delivered by the Minister of Health, Professor Adenike Grange, at the opening ceremony of the 39th Annual Scientific Conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, in Lagos on Wednesday, also also said an outbreak of meningitis had been forecasted to occur in the country.
While giving statistics to buttress his arguments, President Yar Adua said 30 per cent of childhood deaths and 11 per ecnt of maternal deaths were still caused by malaria, adding that 2.9million Nigerians still lived with the HIV.
“Together this has contributed to overall low life expectancy of 45 years for men and 46years for women,” he said. He, however, said his administrattion appreciated the gap between where the country was and where it ought to be.
“It is in response to this gap that the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners developed the Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (IMNCH) strategy within the context of the health sector reform that draws from National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy. This IMNCH strategy will be implemented within the Ward Minimum Health Care Package, as the entry point to revitalize primary health care,” he said.
http://www.tribune.com.ng/24012008/news/news11.html
NIGERIA HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS WORKSHOP 11TH– 15THNOVEMBER 2007, Blantyre, Malawi.
EXPERIENCE IN DEVELOPING ONE COUNTRY MNCH PLAN
Phasing of implementation
• Phase I : 2007-2009– Immediate removal of major bottlenecks
• Phase II: 2010-2012– implementation will be reinforced at all service delivery modes
• Phase III: 2013-2015– 80% effective coverage of clinical interventions at basic health care, and– 70% at first and secondary referral care
Strategic Objectives
• Improve access to good quality health services
• Ensure adequate provision of medical supplies, drugs etc.
• Strengthen family and community capacity to take necessary MNCH actions
• Improve capacity for organisation and management of MNCH services
• Establish financing mechanism that ensures adequate funding & efficient use of funds
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems
• Establish and sustain partnerships to support implementation of IMNCH strategy
PartnershipMembers:
• Govts at the 3 tiers• Line Ministries
• Agencies, parastatals and “bodies” such as NACA, MDG.
• Medical Institutions• Professional associations
• Organized Private Sectors
• Relevant NGOs and CBOs at all levels
• Donors and International Development Partners
• All relevant stakeholders (religious & traditional leaders)
http://www.who.int/entity/pmnch/events/2007/20071112_malawi_nigeria.pdf
"There has not been any drug for SCD that could bring relief and make patients live normal lives until the NICOSAN came on the stage. Now we have testimonies of users of the drug across the country who now live normal lives."
Vanguard (Lagos)
12 December 2007
Emma Ujah
Xechem Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited disclosed at the weekend that it has invested over $15 million in the production of NICOSAN the world's most effective drug, yet, for the management of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).Briefing the press in Abuja , the Managing Director (MD) of the company, Mr. Iretiolu Oniyide said the efforts of the company's board, management and staff had brought an unprecedented relief to SCD patients who could now live normal lives, without the usual crisis, once placed on the drug which is produced in Abuja .
"There has not been any drug for SCD that could bring relief and make patients live normal lives until the NICOSAN came on the stage. Now we have testimonies of users of the drug across the country who now live normal lives.
"We now have SCD patients who can go about their economic activities without crisis, children with sickle cell can now live normal lives, go to school, without being kept out of school by crisis. We are overwhelmed by the volume of testimonies of users and we are proud to be part of this great discovery', the MD said.
Mr. Oniyide, revealed that there were enemies of Nigeria who were hell bent on rubbishing the success story of NICOSAN but that he team at Xechem was prepared not only to refuse to be distracted but move ahead to expand its production lines and by so doing, make NICOSAN available to more SCD patients within and outside the country.
He debunked a recent reports alleging the inefficacy of NICOSAN in the management of SCD and that the drug has not met the required quality control standards, stressing that NAFDAC, the apex regulatory authority has endorsed the drug as having passed through necessary quality control standards and processes.
folk keep telling me that's how this game is played... obvious to me I need some practice 'cause evidence surely tells I know not how to follow these instructions.
Stamps of approval - From celebrities to historical occasions and events, new U.S. postage for 2008 covers all the bases
Monday, January 7, 2008 11:14 AM CST
Some of the most impressive scientific achievements of the 20th century will be recognized in April when the American Scientists stamps are issued. The series honors four scientists:
• Structural chemist Linus Pauling (1901-1994) determined the nature of the chemical bond linking atoms into molecules. He routinely crossed disciplinary boundaries throughout his career and made significant contributions in several diverse fields. His pioneering work on protein structure was critical in establishing the field of molecular biology and his studies of hemoglobin led to many findings, including the classification of sickle cell anemia as a molecular disease.
http://www.dunnconnect.com/articles/2008/01/07/variety/variety01.txt
Biovest secures Revimmune worldwide exclusive license
Wednesday, January 23, 2008; Posted: 05:25 AM
More Breaking News about ABPI
BVTI/ABPI: Positive Article re Revimmune(TM) in Hopkins Medicine Magazine
Accentia Biopharmaceuticals Announces that Revimmune is Profiled in Hopkins Medicine Magazine
Biovest International Announces that Revimmune is Profiled in Hopkins Medicine Magazine
Jan 23, 2008 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- ABPI | news |
-- Biovest International, a majority-owned subsidiary of Accentia Biopharmaceuticals, has secured the worldwide, exclusive license to Revimmune for the treatment and prevention of transplant rejection including rejection following a bone marrow transplant.
As an initial indication, the company intends to submit an investigational new drug (IND) application seeking FDA permission to enter a Phase III clinical trial of Revimmune usage in bone marrow transplants to treat and possibly cure sickle cell anemia.
The technology is being licensed to Biovest for transplant rejection from Revimmune, LLC, a Hopkins Capital Group II portfolio company, which holds the exclusive license for the technology from the Johns Hopkins University. Revimmune, LLC, has previously licensed the exclusive, worldwide rights to Revimmune for treatment of all autoimmune diseases to Accentia Biopharmaceuticals.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1015680/
nice day in xgem land ... picked up another 484900 shares (all they would sell me at .0028. Had an order for a mil at .0027 too, which of course is still open, so will look for them at a higher price tomorrow. No brainer that this is going to .004 tomorrow. Smile, we're going up!
...and Hemoxin in the U.S. would likely cost 50x or more what is currently charged for Nicosan in Nigeria which equates to a very significant market (approaching $1B annually) imo.
Well, it is good to know that our Dr. Swift is doing all he can. I do not doubt this. Pretty obvious I and others are counting on it. Do you have a feeling for Dr. Swift's relationship with I. Oniyide and also the relationship with the Nigerian Gov (Federal)? IMO both of these will have a most significant impact on the future viability of our Xgem, so if you can share what you feel wrt this I think it could be helpful. Thanks.
fwiw, I personally feel that the REAL circumstances this company finds itself in today is nowhere near as 'severe' as many here seem to believe, so I can see my way to summer of 2009 and a much different and much better reality regarding company performance and pps. But it is just my opinion of course.
Oh yes, I absolutely agree. In fact, all we need is a peep or whisper from the BOD on almost any subject related to our Xgem and we will be back over a penny imo. If, as we might expect, we will have some "real" news by this Summer, it is only a question of how FAR over the two cent mark we shoot. The "move" will happen earlier I think. Then again, few of us have had a handle on the direction this company and pps take.
Yes that would be a safe guess but bottom line
here is we have no idea whats is actually going
on, some very educated guesses though.
So even the mention of such a program could
change our present PPS entirely is what I was
getting at. Along with the fact that they are
supposed to be able to produce the volume to
support the 40K + patients equaling the
10 mil.
It could happen whenever they finalize
the legal proceedings and the phase-III
trials. Even if either are mentioned it
will have a positive effect.
imo we will see the day... however still some 8 to 16 months away from what I can tell...
Nice volume today, Hey LSD if Xechem got a similar
$10 mil contract from the FG, it would be a great
starting point.
Once they get all the legal issues resolved a
contract for a little over 40k patients should
be able to be handled via the updated process.
That would really make the PPS look a lot different!
Another push for Hydroxyurea...
NIH Consensus Development Conference:
Hydroxyurea Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease
February 25-27, 2008
Area Information
Natcher Conference Center
National Institutes of Health
Building 45
45 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
Deadline for Online Registration: February 22, 2008
In order to take a closer look at this important topic, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Office of Medical Applications of Research of the National Institutes of Health will convene a Consensus Development Conference from February 25–27, 2008, to assess the available scientific evidence related to the following questions:
What is the efficacy (results from clinical studies) of hydroxyurea treatment for patients who have sickle cell disease in three groups: infants, preadolescents, and adolescents/adults?
What is the effectiveness (in everyday practice) of hydroxyurea treatment for patients who have sickle cell disease?
What are the short- and long-term harms of hydroxyurea treatment?
What are the barriers to hydroxyurea treatment for patients who have sickle cell disease and what are the potential solutions?
What are the future research needs?
https://www.meetinglink.org/OMAR/sicklecell/areainfo.asp
The Agenda is found here: http://consensus.nih.gov/2008/2008SickleCellCDC119main.htm#Agenda
This too is not directly reltated to our cause, however it is worth noting that the Ugandan Government is supporting their own initiatives. Perhaps we will one day see Nigeria do similarly for Xechem and Nicosan.
$10m order for first batch Ugandan ARVs
Monday, 28 January 2008
BY JUDE ETYANG
KAMPALA, UGANDA - Uganda’s recently commissioned Antiretroviral and anti-malarial drugs plant starts production with a bang as government sets an order for a consignment of ARVs worth Ush17billion (US$10 million).
Uganda’s health ministry is raising sh8billion ($4.3 million) and other government departments will fill the remaining sh9billion ($5.7million) to buy the drugs, a move that is believed will mark a new era in the management of HIV/AIDS in the country.
The ministry of health is handling the procurement of ARVs which will be deployed in the national AIDS treatment programme in which up to 100,000 Ugandans are getting free treatment.
Statistics indicate despite reaching 42% of the population in need of Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2005, the number in need of ART continues to grow each year for example; 129,000 in 2007 and projected to 238,000 in 2012 - far outstripping the capacity of the system to respond.
The case malaria is equally alarming, making the two mentioned diseases the biggest challenge to Uganda’s health care system. Uganda spends $70 million on ARVs and malaria drugs every year.
The first $10 million consignment covers the first quarter of the year, which implies that government will spend $40 million on ARV treatment throughout the year and will enlist more beneficiaries for the drugs.
Informed observers say that this is more than half the price that government spends on imported drugs to treat a large portion of the population living with HIV/AIDS.For instance, the Public Service Ministry has registered 10,000 civil servants living with HIV/AIDs and are ready fro ART but have not accessed the service yet.
Emmanuel Katongole the managing director of the plant, last week said that Ugandan ARVs combination for a monthly subscription will be 30% cheaper than the imported drugs. “We want to focus on addressing the problems of scarcity and affordability of drugs. The triple therapy ARVs cocktail for one month cost $15 to the final consumer but with this factory we are going to sell it at $9,” Katongole said. “So we are going to expand access to these drugs.”
The plant, which will in the first phase produce two million tablets per day, is a partnership between the Government, Quality Chemical Industries, a local company, and Cipla, one of the world’s leading generic manufacturers.
Minister of state for primary health care Dr. Emmanuel Otaala told East African Business Week that the ministry would source the money from donors besides the budget allocations.
Otaala also confirmed that government has introduced a budget line for HIV/AIDS activities.
Government has previously been importing ARVs from India which are cheaper than original drugs from Europe’s giant pharmaceuticals. However, the Indian drugs are still out of reach to the average Ugandan.
The situation could worsen in the vent of a WTO agreement banning India from exporting relatively cheap generic ARV drugs to third world countries like Uganda.
The WTO’s Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement which India ratified takes effect this year.
The TRIPS pact however provided a window for developing countries to access technology which can be used to manufacture the generic drugs locally. Uganda was the first African country to acquire this technology and set up the factory which will provide a regional market as well.
But market concerns are at the moment taking second seat as the factory concentrates on the task of neutralizing disease burden on the Uganda economy.
Katongole says that the priority of the company is to satisfy government demand, then private sector and the wider regional market.
He also said that government is obliged to purchase ARVs from company as part of the agreement which preceded the $30 million investment. Katongole said that export to Rwanda and Tanzania will start at the end of this year.
Katongole also said that the ARV plant was a big move towards self-reliance in supply of drugs breaking out of the york of depending on donor funding for expensive drugs.
“Most of the drugs we have are from donor funds, what happens when donor funds dry up,” he said. In 2006, government was in a crisis of shortage of ARVs after the Global Fund on Aids, Tuberclosis and Malaria which funds 80% the national ARV requirement suspended the grant over mismanagement of funds.
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