Nigeria Takes Major Step Toward Local Production of Anti-Snake Venom Drugs through Landmark MOU

Nigeria Takes Major Step Toward Local Production of Anti-Snake Venom Drugs through Landmark MOU

Three companies—AMA Medical Manufacturing Company, Echitab Study Group Nigeria, and Micropharm Ltd., UK—have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commence the local production of Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) drugs in Nigeria. This agreement marks a pivotal moment in addressing the country's longstanding challenges with ASV drug availability.

MOU Signing Ceremony

The signing ceremony took place at the AMA Medical Manufacturing Company in Kudenda, Kaduna, and was hailed as a historic milestone in Nigeria's journey towards self-sufficiency in ASV drug production. Prof. Nasidi Abdulsalami, Chairman of AMA Medical Manufacturing Company, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, describing it as a vital public-private partnership.

Contributions and Support

Prof. Nasidi Abdulsalami urged meaningful Nigerians to contribute to this social investment aimed at saving lives, particularly those of farmers and herders who are most at risk of snake bites. He emphasized the significance of the MOU, not only for Nigeria but for the entire continent, as other African nations look up to Nigeria for leadership in healthcare advancements.

Recognizing Excellence

Abdulsalami proudly announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) had tested all ASV drugs available globally and found that Micropharm’s products, which are produced in the UK and now set to be manufactured in Nigeria, are the best. He also noted that this partnership with Micropharm would help maintain the supply of these life-saving drugs, which are crucial for the Nigerian population.

Technology and Innovation

Mr. Marc Nassar of Von hram expressed his optimism about the collaboration, noting that the MOU would bring new technology to Nigeria. He highlighted that his organization, renowned for its technological expertise, was the first to introduce advanced technology to the existing AMA plant. Nassar expressed confidence that this collaboration would leverage their expertise to achieve significant success in ASV production.

LAddressing ASV Scarcity

Mr. Lan Cameroon, Chief Executive Officer of Micropharm, expressed gratitude for the MOU and lamented the ongoing scarcity of ASV drugs in Nigeria. He recounted the history of ASV drug development, tracing it back to the early 1970s when Prof. David Wanns of ABU, Zaria, took a live snake from Nigeria to Liverpool to extract venom for ASV production. Cameroon emphasized that local production would significantly reduce the cost of ASV drugs and make them more accessible to Nigerians.

Acknowledging Dedication

Prof. Nasidi Abdulsalami praised Dr. Nandul Durfa, Managing Director of Echitab Study Group Nigeria, for his unwavering dedication to the goal of producing ASV drugs locally. Abdulsalami recognized this achievement as a long-awaited solution to a persistent problem, marking a new era in Nigeria's healthcare landscape.