“The initiative promises substantial benefits for the State, especially in light of cuts in funding from the American government…”
By Nakanda Iyadim
In its bid to reduce reliance on foreign aid and donor funding for HIV/AIDS response and treatment, the Cross River government has mulled the production of Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.
Director General of the Cross River Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA), Dr Charles Iwara, disclosed this shortly after a meeting with the top management staff of Carlos Pharmaceutical Company, formerly known as Calapharm, in his office in Calabar, recently.
He affirmed that the initiative was aimed at making the State self-sufficient in HIV treatment, as part of a broader strategy.
Iwara stated that with over 43,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the State and faced by declining funds from donor partners, it was imperative to explore local manufacturing options that are cost-effective, accessible and sustainable.
“This initiative is commendable, especially considering that at the national level, the federal government is also striving to produce ARV drugs locally. So, having a local firm that has shown interest in manufacturing these drugs in Calabar would be a significant development,” Iwara said.
He extended his gratitude to the Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for initiating the idea of local production of these drugs, praising his dedication to the welfare of the citizens and his commitment to delivering on his ‘people-first’ mantra, through visionary leadership.
“The initiative promises substantial benefits for the State, especially in light of cuts in funding from the American government. We have been considering ways to ensure sustainability in our healthcare services, and this is a crucial step towards providing necessary support to those in urgent need of these medications in addition to their integration in the State’s Health Insurance Scheme,” the state SACA DG added.
He further informed that, “we are ready for this partnership with Carlos Pharmaceuticals to develop modern formulations that meet World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, including new drugs that do not require daily intake, among other benefits.
Continuing, he assured that “the local production of ARVs is poised to significantly alleviate the hardships faced by residents of the State living with HIV/AIDS.
Earlier, Head of Sales and Marketing at Carlos Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacist Bayo Adepoju, informed the DG that the company had commenced the necessary legal documentation and engaged with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the immediate production of ARV drugs and solicited his collaboration.
He used the occasion to announce the company’s intention to launch its first line of pharmaceutical products by August 2025, adding that following the recent acquisition of the State’s Calapharm facility under a Public-Private Partnership(PPP), the company, which was concessioned for 25 25-year moratorium, now operates as Carlos Pharmaceuticals.
Admitting that the company was set to revolutionize pharmaceutical services in the State, Adepoju explained that “we have secured approvals and certifications from key regulatory bodies, including the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAFDAC, with five of our products ready to hit the market in August, including anti-malaria, analgesics, and children’s allergy medications.”
Offering insights on the company’s entry into ARV production, Adepoju, who was in the company of the Superintendent Pharmacist, Pharm. Dan Michael said, “Our goal to produce ARVs is to counteract the adverse effects of reduced donor aid and to establish self-sufficiency, adding that “We currently possess the machinery and manpower in Calabar necessary to launch this product line, and I am sure we will succeed.”