The Federal Government has mandated its leading health research institutes, including the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), to prioritize and fund ongoing studies into a promising treatment for brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma multiforme, one of the deadliest forms of the disease.
The directive, issued by Dr. Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during a virtual meeting with institute leaders and the Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET) at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, follows reports of a potent compound showing efficacy against multiple cancers.
Salako hailed the discovery as a potential milestone for Nigeria’s health sector, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for transforming healthcare.
Dr. Amina Jega, CAMRET’s team lead, revealed that the compound, derived from a plant native to Northern Nigeria, demonstrated the ability to destroy glioblastoma cell lines within 48 hours at specific doses.
Preliminary tests also show promise against breast, liver, colon, cervical, leukemia, and lung cancers. Jega emphasized the urgency of the research, noting that glioblastoma patients typically survive only 15 months due to limited treatment options.
Salako emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s phytomedicine industry in unlocking the healthcare value chain, announcing that a ministerial committee is already facilitating collaboration between researchers, investors, and industry stakeholders to drive pharmaceutical innovation.
He urged CAMRET to submit a detailed proposal outlining its needs and pledged the government’s support for further research and development.
Prof. Usman Aliyu, NICRAT’s Director General, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, confirming that the institute has already engaged with the researchers and is prepared to provide robust institutional support.
Salako commended the scientists’ dedication, encouraging them to maintain momentum until the compound is developed into a viable treatment for Nigerians.
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