Prof. Lere Baale, president of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, has urged for a more robust research and manufacturing ecosystem to enhance pharmaceutical innovation and health security in Nigeria. During his address at the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) Annual Conference on Wednesday, Baale stressed the necessity for strategic investments in scientific infrastructure, local drug production, and regulatory harmonization to guarantee sustainable access to quality medicines.
In his insightful presentation titled “Drug Research and Development: From Laboratory to the Patient,” Baale characterized drug research and development (R&D) as a transformative journey where concepts evolve into innovations and science serves humanity. He pointed out that this intricate process is among the most significant endeavors in human advancement, typically requiring 10 to 15 years and exceeding $2 billion to develop a single drug.
Baale outlined the pathway from discovery to delivery, identifying six essential stages of drug development: discovery and preclinical research, clinical development, regulatory review, manufacturing, the emerging frontiers in artificial intelligence and genomics, and the ethical considerations of compassion in healthcare. He explained that the drug development process starts with scientists identifying biological targets and screening numerous compounds through advanced technologies such as AI and computational modeling, followed by a stringent three-phase human trial process to ensure safety and efficacy.
Furthermore, Baale emphasized the critical role of regulatory oversight in safeguarding patient safety. Regulatory agencies, including Nigeria”s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and international entities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), are essential in ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality medicines are available to the public.
He cautioned that the manufacturing and patient access phase is a vital intersection where scientific achievement meets industrial capability. Without strong local manufacturing and a secure supply chain, Nigeria”s pharmaceutical infrastructure would remain susceptible to external disruptions. “A country that cannot produce its own essential medicines remains vulnerable to external shocks and shortages. Medicine security is a national security imperative,” Baale remarked.
According to him, Nigeria and the broader African continent are at a pivotal juncture. To attain genuine health sovereignty, there is a pressing need to enhance research infrastructure, invest in local manufacturing, and support regulatory harmonization through the African Medicines Agency (AMA). He proposed the creation of African Centres of Clinical Excellence in collaboration with the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), and academic partners. These institutions would ensure that Africa”s unique genetic and disease profiles are considered in global clinical trials, which is crucial for tailoring medicines to African populations.
Baale also connected pharmaceutical research and development with leadership and education, highlighting that the future of healthcare advancement relies on leaders who comprehend both the science of innovation and the intricacies of health systems management. He noted that institutions like Business School Netherlands International (BSN Nigeria), which he leads as CEO, are pivotal in cultivating executives capable of bridging the gap between research, regulation, and effective healthcare delivery in the real world.
In conclusion, Baale reminded the audience that drug research and development transcends mere scientific inquiry; it embodies a moral and societal obligation. “The journey from the laboratory to the patient is a sacred partnership between science and humanity, discovery and delivery, purpose and policy. It reminds us that innovation must always serve people, not profit alone,” he stated. He called on policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to work collaboratively toward a more self-sufficient continent, where hope translates into healing and science fulfills its highest purpose: the preservation and enhancement of life.
