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. Continue...
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.
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