…Study to focus on Fidson’s Chewable Albendazole Formulation
Fidson Healthcare Plc has announced a strategic partnership with Liddie BE Limited, a renowned Clinical Research Organisation, to conduct a Bioequivalence (BE) study on its chewable formulation of Albendazole tablets.
The results of the study are expected to provide key data to support the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Pre-Qualification programme for the product.
The partnership was announced at a joint press conference held at Fidson corporate head office in Lagos on Tuesday.
Bioequivalence studies are special types of studies where two drugs or two sets of formulation of the same drug are compared to show that they have nearly equal bioavailability and Pharmacokinetic parameters which describe the action of the body on the drug.
Albendazole on the other hand is an FDA approved medication for the treatment of a variety of parasitic worm infections prevalent in Nigeria and many parts of the world.
The company said the study will be conducted under stringent regulatory guidelines that meet international standards and will compare the pharmacokinetics of the novel Albendazole formulation with the standard reference.
Speaking at the joint press conference to announce the partnership, the CEO of Fidson, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, stated that the partnership is ground breaking in the advancement of clinical research, as they are set to embark on the first Bioequivalence study to be conducted in Nigeria.
“We are excited again to be at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the healthcare industry in Nigeria with this landmark effort. This study is a critical step towards the WHO Prequalification of our brand of chewable Albendazole tablets.
“This collaboration being the first BE study in Nigeria and one of the first in Africa is a testament to the success of indigenous efforts and vision which we are very proud to lead.”
Also speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director of Liddie BE Ltd, Prof. Lara Orafidiya, said “we are happy to partner with Fidson on this critical study. Our expertise in clinical research will ensure that this product meets the required international standards for safety and efficacy.
“We are committed to contributing to the healthcare landscape in Nigeria through world class clinical trials and research”.
The study results, according to the partners, are expected to provide key data to support the WHO-PQ programme of the product. The partners said the initiative attests to their commitment to advancing healthcare access and improving clinical outcomes in Nigeria and across the continent.
As of the press time, there are only two drugs manufactured in Nigeria with WHO’s pre-qualification and both products were manufactured by Swipha Nigeria.
Dr Ayebae said that Swipha has blazed the trail and Fidson Healthcare wants to follow. He expressed optimism that many other companies in Nigeria are also preparing to follow suit.
The Fidson Healthcare boss however disclosed that the company has decided to carry out its bioequivalent studies in Nigeria to preserve foreign currency, conserve energy and show the expertise, knowhow and knowledge of Nigerian scientists that are delivering the same results that their counterparts abroad are delivering.
