The National Drug Authority (NDA) has finally approved the use of Covidex, a locally made herbal medicine in the support treatment of COVID-19 and other viral infections.
The herbal drug manufactured by Mbarara University scientists led by Prof Patrick Ogwang has reportedly been effective in the treatment of COVID-19, prompting its demand and prices to skyrocket from about Shs15,000 a few weeks ago to now over Shs50,000. Initially, NDA had stopped the manufacturers from circulating the herbal drug in the market until it is approved by the drug regulatory authority.
After two weeks of engagements with the innovators, NDA ED David Nahamya, has approved the sale and use of Covidex in licensed drug outlets for “supportive treatment in management of viral infections.” However, Nahamya warns that this herbal drug is not a cure to COVID-19.
“NDA has granted Covidex an approval based on initial assessment, published literature and safety studies conducted by the innovator. The product has been formulated from herbal plants that have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of several diseases. To further support the efficacy of the drug for other uses, NDA has advised the manufacturer to conduct random controlled clinical trials which are the highest levels of evidence to ascertain any claims of treatment,” Nahamya said in a press statement.