By Sola Ogundipe

With a view to commence commercial production of Niprisan, the drug reknown for its unrivaled efficacy in the management of sickle cell anaemia, an interim management committee has been inaugurated to resuscitate the stalemated Niprisan project.

Inaugurating the committee on behalf of Minister of Health, Prof.Onyebuchi Chukwu last week in Abuja, Director Special Duties, Dr.Folake Ademola-Majekodumi, said government had taken concrete steps towards the resuscitation of production of the drug.

Restating the Minister’s opinion, she recalled the incidence which led to the withdrawal of the production license of Nicosan (as the drug was then called) culminating in the cessation of production and the attendant litigations instituted by the producers at that time- Xechem Nigeria, which could not meet their loan repayment agreements.

The Director noted that while this was going on, millions of Nigerians living with the sickle cell disorder were left to suffer excruciating pains and avoidable deaths.

Before long, the scenario drew attention of the Federal Ministry of Health, which intervened by calling a meeting of stakeholders on Monday 5th July,2010 with the aim of resolving the contending issues and resuscitating the production of the drug.

Quoting the Minister, Ademola-Majekodunmi said that the Ministry was committed as encapsulated in its vision and mission to make sure that Nigerians live well and to increase life expectancy and improve quality of life.

Regretting the stoppage of production of Nicosan which created a huge vacuum in management of sickle cell anaemia, he noted that resumption of production of the drug would restore hope for sickle cell sufferers.

Chairman of the Committee, Mr.Roberts U.Orya expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the members of the Committee and assured they would place special emphasis on promotion of technical and managerial excellence adding that result-based and evidence-based management and accountability will also be emphasized as well as mobilization of human and material resources to ensure that production is commenced and sustained.

Director General, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Prof.K.Gamaniel said resuscitation of the Nicosan project would rekindle hope to sickle cell patients. He assured total commitment of the institute.