NDA approves use of Covidex in the treatment of COVID-19

Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA) has approved the use of COVIDEX, a local herbal medicine as a supporting treatment for viral infections, including COVID-19.

The NDA executive director, Mr David Nahamya while addressing the press at Media Centre Kampala today said that after various assessment and inspection of the factory manufacturing the herbal medicine, they have approved its use to treat the viral infections.

“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,” Mr Nahamya announced.

However, Mr Nahamya stressed that the medicine does not cure Covid-19 but it can supplement the medicine being used by medics to treat Covid-19 patients.

The drug, made by Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) scientists led by Prof Patrick Ogwang, had generated debate over its efficacy in treating the dreaded Covid-19.

NDA had on June 14, asked the manufacturer of the drug to cease sales citing safety concerns because the medicine had not yet been approved.

The prices for the herbal has shoot up from 10,000 to 100k in some pharmacies around after it’s overwhelming demand.

A number of people have confessed effectiveness of the drug in treatment of the deadly COVID-19 virus.