By Abujah Racheal

Renowned virologist, Dr Simeon Agwale, has hinted that Lassa fever vaccine produced by a Nigerian has scaled through preclinical trials involving mice and non-human primates.

Agwale, the Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Biotech, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Abuja.

He said that this development has raised the hope for controlling the deadly viral disease.

NAN reports that Lassa fever is among the deadly viral diseases recorded in Nigeria.

Agwale said that the vaccine, licensed from the University of Melbourne by Pac-Man Biologics, demonstrated 100 per cent protection during trials.

“This vaccine by a Nigerian is the only one so far demonstrating efficacy against the Nigerian strain of the Lassa virus, which differs from the widely used Josiah strain originating from Senegal.

“We have the exclusive license for the vaccine for use in Africa. We pay royalties to the University of Melbourne and that’s how the innovation ecosystem works.

“They did the foundational work, and we are building on it,” he said.

He explained that five out of five unvaccinated mice died after being challenged with the virus, while all vaccinated mice survived.

“Similar results were recorded in a non-human primate study, where all unvaccinated animals died on day 22, but all vaccinated ones survived.

“This is 100 per cent protection. It shows great promise and we hope to complete the Phase 1 clinical trials soon,” he added.

He also stated that the vaccine doses for clinical trials are being produced in the United States, under a technology transfer arrangement, pending the completion of Nigeria’s vaccine production facility.

“Beyond the vaccine’s success, the experts strongly criticised Nigeria’s outdated academic system, especially in postgraduate training and research.

“We spent millions sending lecturers abroad for postdoctoral trainings without results.

“Every postdoctoral position in the U.S. is funded already, so why send people with extra funds and no structure back home to apply their skills?” he queried.

He warned that unless Nigeria revamps its university curricula to focus on specific, market-relevant training like “vaccinology and drug development,” the country would continue to lag in science and innovation.

“We still run masters in Microbiology with nine courses per semester, what’s the purpose of that? We need focused programmes.

“A graduate in vaccinology should understand how vaccines are developed, tested and manufactured,” he said.

He urged universities to take ownership of research by generating funds through problem-solving innovations rather than relying solely on government support.

“We must build research centres and retain talent. Innovation must solve national issues, not just earn foreign degrees,” he said.

He said that collaboration with global partners and deployment of local capacity was critical to achieving health security and scientific self-reliance.

“This is not about being a local champion. You must compete with the best globally because health emergencies don’t wait,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu