the use of an experimental Ebola drug, Zmapp, for treatment of
patients infected with the virus.The committee, which composed
research scientists, is a national body under the Federal Ministry of
Health.
The endorsement is contained in a statement issued to newsmen by
Prof.Clement Adebamowo,Chairman of the committeeon Wednesdayin Abuja.
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The decision by the committee is coming on the heels of Tuesday's
approval by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the use of Zmapp
for treatment of Ebola patients.
"It is ethical to use these treatments in the current situation
without first submitting an application to National, State or
Institutional Health Research Ethics Committee for prior review and
approval.
"In addition, the Committee waives the current requirement that
international shipment of any biological samples out of Nigeria should
be preceded by the establishment of a Materials Transfer Agreement.
"This waiver is to promote rapid international response to this global
emergency,'' the statement said.
In the statement, the Nigerian National Code for Health Research
Ethics emphasised that all innovative and non-validated treatments
should be carefully and adequately documented.
According to the statement, the documentation can form the basis for
clinical trials of the efficacy and side effects of the treatment
according to established scientific principles.
In the statement, the ethics committee enjoined all agencies,
development partners and research scientists to follow the guideline
for the rapid resolution of the current emergency.
"The guideline will contribute to preparedness in case of future
occurrences and contribution to scientific knowledge.
"It must be noted that all Phase O and Phase I Clinical Trials that
may subsequently be designed for treatment of this infection can be
approved only by the National Health Research Ethics Committee,'' it
said.
Source: NAN
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