The Medicines Research and Access Platform (MedRap) has welcomed the African Union Development Agency’s plan to scale up the Sondashi Formula as a potential treatment for HIV/AIDS.
However, the organization has urged caution, calling for comprehensive clinical trials before the herbal remedy is introduced to the public.
MedRap Chief Executive Officer, Liyoka Liyoka, emphasized the importance of scientific validation through clinical trials to determine the drug’s efficacy and safety for HIV/AIDS treatment.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Liyoka warned against rushing the formula to market without proper procedures, saying such an approach could have serious consequences.
He cited the example of chloroquine, a drug previously used to treat malaria, which lost its effectiveness due to resistance.
“There are clear processes that must be followed in drug development, starting with animal trials before moving to human trials and these steps help identify the active ingredients and determine appropriate dosages for human use,” said Mr. Liyoka.
He further stressed the need for oversight from the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), even after clinical trials are conducted, to monitor the drug’s performance and potential side effects.
By Christabel Kamunu.
