By Scoop Reporter
The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) says any newly discovered medical product can only be certified and approved for use in management of patients after satisfactory results based on the conduct of clinical trials and other required procedures.
Senior Public Relations Officer Christabel Mutale Iliamupu says this is important as clinical trials help to establish the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines and allied substances before approval for use in humans and animals.
Ms. Iliamupu says clinical trials also facilitate decision making on whether side effects of a new treatment are acceptable when weighed against the benefits offered by the new treatment.
She says ZAMRA is not mandated to conduct clinical trials but instead regulates and monitors the conduct of clinical trials and that the Authority will continue to support scientists, researchers and research institutions in their quest to find innovative health related solutions.
“World over all newly discovered medicines are subjected to clinical trials, even the “herbal drink COVID Organics” that has been discovered in Madagascar and believed to cure Coronavirus is currently being subjected to clinical trials in countries that have since procured the purported cure before approval for use in management of patients.
‘’We are equally concerned that COVID-19 has impacted negatively on social and economic activities of the country, as such, we are more than willing to support local researchers on development of a cure for COVID-19 for as long as the right procedure is followed,” Ms. Iliamupu said.
“We further wish to reiterate our appeal to the general public to refrain from purchasing and consuming unauthorised medicines and allied substances as it can result into adverse effects.
“We remain resolute in our dedication of protecting and promoting public and animal health by ensuring that only medicines and allied substances that met the required set standards of quality, safety and efficacy are placed on the Zambian market,” he said.
