Nigeria’s vision for a homegrown vaccine response to the coronavirus pandemic has received a boost from the efforts of microbiologists from six academic institutions in the country.
Although the group had no prior experience with vaccine development, some of its members had produced an immune-boosting drug, Trino IB, while others had also participated in other research activities during their study years. He said translational research seeks to produce more meaningful, applicable results that directly benefit human health, with the simple goal of translating basic science discoveries more quickly and efficiently into practice.which has announced the initiative on its list of vaccine candidates in preclinical stage.
Additionally, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority is raising a $200 million fund to enhance Nigeria’s domestic pharmaceutical capacity as a way of complementing the efforts of the CBN. “Funding challenges are at their peak in Nigeria because we do not have value for research. If we did, the COVID-19 would have taught us a lesson,” he added.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s foremost virologist, Oyewale Tomori, said; “Local vaccine production will certainly change current perceptions about vaccines produced by foreigners. It will increase confidence in vaccines and vaccinations and reinforce national pride.”