IBB varsity commences research on COVID-19 drug

Researchers in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, have commenced another round of research for the development of drugs for COVID-19 treatment.

This was disclosed at a Management Workshop held in Lapai, titled, “Development of Ethnobotanical Remedy from Nigerian Biodiversity for the Treatment of COVID-19 and Management of its Symptoms” by Principal Researcher, Associate Professor Dickson Achimugu Musa, of the Department of Biochemistry.

Presenting the research design, Musa disclosed that research has shown that some traditional medicinal plants and food possess antioxidant, antipyretic, antitussive, analgesic, anticoagulant, antiinflammatory properties and immune-modulatory competencies, as well as antiviral properties.

He said the research is for a safe ethnobotanical remedy for respiratory diseases, vasculotropic diseases, inflammatory disorder, febrile ailments, oxidative disorders that inhibit viral replication and growth.

He noted that the most effective treatment of COVID-19 must necessarily include antiviral agents and management of the symptoms caused by the disease.

He added that the major aim of the project was to develop an effective ethnobotanical cure for COVID-19 that will inhibit the growth of the causative agent as well as manage the symptoms of the disease.

Commenting on the research, the Coordinating Director of Researches of the institute, Professor George Nuhu Obaje, disclosed that the university was working with Niger State Government on the special capacity building on oil and gas for Nigerlites.

In an address, the ViceChancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, observed that the research activities in the university which started on a modest note have grown to put the institution on the world map as one of the best research institutions in the country.