Abuja
(NAN) – 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
