The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Salako on Thursday, disclosed that the institute had started COVID-19 experimental vaccine development.
Salako made the disclosure on the side-line of a sensitisation workshop and the launching of the institute’s Service Charter held in Lagos.
He said that the institute’s animal trial of the experimental vaccine was not successful but noted that the outcome would not deter NIMR.
The institute had said it would embark on COVID-19 vaccine development.
“We have started experimental vaccine development in two forms. Some weeks ago, we had a result of animal trial which was not successful, and we must start all over again.
“We are not deterred by that because vaccine production is not something that you can get at once.
“For us it is a first-time experience and the second time around we believe we should be successful because we have learnt our lessons.
“So, we are still on it, we have not given up.”
On funding for some of its research work on COVID-19, the D-G said the institute got COVID-19 intervention alongside other institutions and tertiary hospitals.
“Government recently gave COVID-19 interventions to relevant institutions and to tertiary hospitals.
“So, I believe we should be ready to play whatever roles we are supposed to play as an institution,” he said.
