The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University wishes to set the record straight on the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) drug discovery credited to our institution.
- Our team of researchers swung into action following the infiltration of the pandemic in Nigeria. One of the research groups in the University that specializes in computer-aided drug discovery identified a target on the virus using computer simulation. They also identified compounds that can possibly attack the target.
- All these were done in silico (inside the computer). No wet laboratory experiment has been carried out to confirm that what was seen in the computer is possible in real life.
- In other words, the result is yet to get into the first stage of drug discovery process. Neither preclinical trials nor clinical trials have been carried out.
- Hence, we cannot say that there is a cure but we can say there is an on-going research for the discovery of cure. Notwithstanding, our team of researchers are committed to the progress of this drug development.
View the official press release letter here.
Signed
Chika Gladys Ene Acting Head, Information and Public Relations