Institute gets certification for drug development

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has been granted certification by the International Standard Organization (ISO) for the research and development of drugs to support indigenous pharmaceutical industries.

The technical manager of the organization, Prof Martins Emeje at the official presentation of the certificate in Abuja said the institute is the first academic based institution in West Africa to get the accreditation.

“The official presentation of this certificate today is a sign of competence and capability to undertake real product and services delivery to the community and it shows that NIPRD has climbed to institutions around the globe that has taken scientific research to the next level, as ISO certificates are recognized all over the world. For the first time Nigeria has an institution that will carry out a survey on a particular medicine, which will attract international attention” he said.

Emeje said there was a need for government at all levels to fight producers of counterfeit drugs in the country by ensuring adequate regulation in the sector.

The Acting Director General of NIPRD, Prof Kunle Olubayo said the institute for the past twenty-five years had been a centre for drug quality assessment, saying the certification would further boost its capacity and performance.