By Agnes Kiconco and Stuart Bogere

KIU, Main Campus - President Museveni on Wednesday, 27th January 2021,  launched clinical trials for the new home blended COVID-19 treatment drug called  UBV-01N. The drug is a product of the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute, anticipated to have antiviral (kill viruses), anti-inflammatory (reduces overreaction of the body to infections), and immunological (directs the immune system in the right direction) abilities.

According to the Presidential Scientific Initiative On Epidemics (PRESIDE), the clinical trial will validate the content, standardization and replication of the product after which it will be rolled out for industrial production and widespread use. 
During the launch at Mulago Hospital, the President said that the drug will be administered to 128 male and female patients who will present Covid-19 symptoms at Mulago Hospital.

Following this new development, President Museveni expressed his thanks to Ugandan scientists for coming up with the treatment and with that, he promised better payment to scientists.

Speaking at the launch, the Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, said the clinical trial is intended to ensure validation of the drug.

"The product has been approved by the National Drug Authority, Uganda National Bureau of Standards and the National Council of Science and Technology,” Dr. Aceng added.

Therefore, the drug is safe for human beings since it has gone through quality assurance steps and got all the necessary certificates and approval.

Internet photo