Scientists from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo state have recorded outstanding results in their quest to finding cure for Lassa Fever and Diabetes.
According to the Coordinator of the University’s Bio-Computing and Drug Development Centre, Dr Posi Omotuyi, researchers from the Institution have perfected drugs sourced from locally-available plants which have properties that could potentially cure the dreaded Lassa fever and diabetes; diseases that have become prevalent among Africans, especially Nigerians in recent times.
Dr. Omotuyi, who said the researches have been promising thus far, disclosed further that the Centre has commenced moves to send the research work to reputable virologists who could test the drugs in diseases condition in globally-accredited laboratories.
He was confident that the drugs would scale through whatever rigorous condition and tests they are exposed to.
“Our research is very indigenous. We research into issues that affect the nation and its people, while our approach is global as we use the best practices all over the world. Our research is clearly our own, it belongs to us.
“We have come up with drugs that are awaiting testing in diseases condition by leading virologists in the world. We have developed one that we believe can cure Lassa fever that has become a perennial scourge in Nigeria.
“I have reached out to a Professor in Japan. He is one of the foremost Virologists in the world, so that he can link us up with people who have facilities for laboratory and real cases testing of what we have discovered here.
“Our Unit is working on something which we are confident can cure Lassa fever; but until you test it, you cannot make categorical statement. Right now, our results have been very promising. That is why I said we are already moving towards the point of talking to foremost virologists who can really test it in diseases condition in laboratories and see how it performs. We have reached out to them and the response has been very positive so far,” he said.
On the criticism that Nigerian scientists and researchers often go into areas and problems that do not affect the ordinary people, Omotuyi said “you will see that our research is into diseases and issues that affect Nigerians and Africans.”
“I have told you about diabetes and Lassa fever. Let me also tell you we are into Prostate Cancer research now. All these cases are very local to us here. As a matter of fact, I make bold to say that there is a research going on in University of Benin in Edo State by one of our Alumni who is a lecturer in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. He has come here to research into a plant with anti-diabetes properties.
We started a couple of weeks ago and we should have the result soon.
We started a couple of weeks ago and we should have the result soon.
‘’So our research is very indigenous, but our approach is global as we follow the dictates of the best practices globally.”
“Also in recent months, we have authored, in collaboration with the National Bio-Technology Agency, two proposals. One of them is to finalize, to the point of provisional application, a work we started two years ago on prostate cancer using a drug derived from the locally- available breadfruit. The work will be funded by NAFDAC.
“The other one is to do a nation-wide survey of plants that have anti-diabetes properties, and that one too is expected to be funded by NAFDAC. But the research work will be carried out at our research centre here in Adekunle Ajasin University. So, we are the technical partners while NAFDAC represents the funding Agency.”
An ecstatic Dr. Omotuyi further said there is no end to research or what could be done through it.
“There is really no limit to research and what we can do through research is boundless. Even then, every big project must have a foundation and its depth will determine how high the structure will rise.
“We are already putting our roots in very important places. For instance, we are in high level talks with the agency saddled with producing drugs from natural products, the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, so that as we screen the plants, for example, the plant with anti-diabetes properties, we will quickly channel it to them for product development.
“So, we are like the clearing house. We do the research while the guys to do the products are there waiting. And I can tell you that, very soon, we are going to be paying the first working visit to their facility, although we have had interactions prior to this time.”
Dr. Omotuyi disclosed that what motivates him and his team is the quest for immortality. This, he said, comes when they are able to invent something that would outlive them all.
