NEW DRUG TO COMBAT SICKLE CELL

Hope was yesterday rekindled for people living with the sickle cell anemia.

A new drug, Solamin, has been identified as having the capacity to reverse the condition.

Solamin is a herbal preparation with anti-sickling properties formulated by Esoma Herbal Research Institute and Temitayo Awosika Help Foundation (TAHF).

Sickle Cell Anemia is a disease mostly common among the black race.

At present, seven million Nigerians are believed to be suffering from the condition.

The drug was unveiled in Abuja at the second Scientific Planning meeting of the Temitayo Awosika Help Foundation. The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Senator Kayode Bjoma said: “Our joint resolve and focus is to ensure that we comply with approved scientific models as established by WHO guidelines for herbal research. It is therefore my joy to see this array of consultants coming together to ensure that the multi-centre trial take-off is guided by the ethics of scientific research.

“We all know that research requires dedication and funding. It is in the light of this that I want to appreciate in particular today, the support of Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in this drug development. We are most grateful – on behalf of the teeming sickle cell sufferers and their families who are much less privileged. We appreciate your efforts which are consistent with your mandate.