By James Okello
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has disowned a new anti-covid therapy known as COVIDEX.
COVIDEX is the brainchild of Prof. Patrick Ogwang, the head of Pharmacology at Mbarara Univeristy of Science and Technology in Western Uganda.
“NDA has learnt with concern the promotion and sale of Covidex manufactured by Jena Herbals (U) Ltd that claims to prevent and treat COVID-19. NDA informs the public that it has not undertaken any assessment or approved Covidex, neither has it received any application from the innovator of the Covidex as required by National Drug Policy and Authority Act cap 206,” a press release signed by Abiaz Rwamwiri, the Public Relations Manager reads.
Rwamwiri however, pointed out that a relationship exists between Jena Herbals Ltd and NDA over other remedies by the company.
“NDA has authorized a number of products from Jena Herbals (U) Ltd and they are aware of processes with regard to drug development, clinical trials, authorization, drug promotion and licensing before production and sell of herbal medicine. This morning, NDA met with a team from Jena Herbals (U) Ltd led by Prof. Patrick Ogwang and have agreed to follow the necessary processes as per NDA Act cap 206,” Rwamwizi adds.
According to NDA, all manufacturers /innovators of herbal medicines are advised to seek guidance from NDA before production and sale of their products. NDA encourages research in herbal medicines and is always ready to provide guidance to ensure safe, efficacious and quality drugs to entire population of Uganda.
“The public is warmed against use of products on the market that are not authorized by NDA purporting to treat covid-19. The public is also advised to follow Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines and SOPs and always seek treatment from licenced heath facilities. To avoid getting or spreading covid-19, NDA reminds the public to always wear masks, wash hands with soap and water or sanitize and maintain social distancing,” ends the release.
In his own words published below, Prof Ogwang argues his therapeutic drug is based on scientific evidence. A 20mls dose goes for Shs.21,000 (about £60).
Here’s Prof Ogwang’s statement in full:
I am Prof Ogwang Engeu Patrick, professor of pharmacy at Mbarara University of science and technology Uganda.
I am trained as a pharmacist and a pharmacologist with PhD. My research focus is on testing, developing and producing medicines from plants based on traditional medicine knowledge and scientific laboratory evidence.
I have developed a number of effective medicines including Artavol and Artavoplus for malaria prevention and immune system strength, jenacof for coughs and flu, Jenacid and Jenapep for peptic ulcers, Jena Dm for diabetes, Jena HT for high blood pressure, Jena Sm for sickle cell disease among others all made from medicinal plants.
Last year when covid reached Uganda I decided to redesign and repurpose one product which initially was for toothache and mouth Hygiene for use in COVID-19 because of the strong antiviral effects of the medicinal plants extracts in it.
Last year around December two of my colleagues in the university got severe covid with one admitted in hospital and put on oxygen. I gave them the formula which I call covidex and in three days of use they greatly improved and became negative.
This year petronella called me about a colleague who was on oxygen due to covid and she requested my help. I gave her six bottles which the patient and again in three days improved and was put off oxygen later tested negative and was discharged.
Last month we decided to study the product more and we found a compound that is scientifically proven as able to kill corona virus in laboratory test tubes. With increasing cases of covid I started getting many people calling for a solution from me. I then began large scale production and many Ugandans are benefitting now. I will share messages from clients. So even though we are still carrying out more tests we now know that covidex has a natural compound that stops corona virus from multiplying.
Right now I recommend it as oropharyngeal drop to target local killing of the virus in the nasopharynx, mouth and oesophagus.
We are also soon testing to see if the active compound reaches the blood in concentrations needed for systemic effects against the virus. Covidex factory price ugx 3000 a unit pack. Dose for 7 days is 21000 factory price. My goal is always to make medicine that is affordable to all. I never aim at huge profits.