Latest Pharmaceutical News, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos and Insights | African Pharmaceutical Review

African Pharmaceutical Review.

African Pharmaceutical Review.

Bevin Likuyani

Bevin Likuyani is a pharmacist with a Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance and an MBA from the School of Business, University of Nairobi. He is also a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from the American (Association of Supply Chain Management).

New African Nation Reaches WHO Maturity Level 3 In Medicines Regulation

New African Nation Reaches WHO Maturity Level 3 In Medicines Regulation

Zimbabwe's National Regulatory Authority has achieved Maturity Level 3 in line with WHO's global benchmarking tool.

GSK raises £1.25 billion from discounted sale of Haleon shares

GSK raises £1.25 billion from discounted sale of Haleon shares

GSK has sold its remaining 4.2% Haleon shares formalizing its exit from the consumer healthcare division Haleon PLC.

New Nation Has Officially Ratified The African Medicines Agency Treaty

New Nation Has Officially Ratified The African Medicines Agency Treaty

A win for African Medicines Agency as yet another country signs the treaty. It is expected that this Agency will drive the improvement of Africa's pharma sector

Nigeria sets pace with rollout of new meningitis vaccine

Nigeria sets pace with rollout of new meningitis vaccine

Nigeria is rolling out the new meningitis vaccine (Men5CV) to fight against a disease that has claimed many lives in the region.

Malaria : 12 African countries to benefit from life saving vaccine

Malaria : 12 African countries to benefit from life saving vaccine

Gavi announced a total of 18 million malaria vaccine doses will be distributed to 12 African countries for the period between 2023-2025.

Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s Fexuprazan looks into Africa

Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s Fexuprazan looks into Africa

Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s Fexuprazan takes its first step into Africa Entering into a partnership with Cooper Pharma, in Morocco.

Gambia: 70 children lost lives due to substandard cough syrups

Gambia: 70 children lost lives due to substandard cough syrups

African pharmaceutical review understands that the Presidential taskforce in The Gambia conclusively links death of 70 children in the country to cough syrups.

Nigeria: Pfizer seeks collaboration in the fight against counterfeit medicines

Nigeria: Pfizer seeks collaboration in the fight against counterfeit medicines

In Nigeria Pfizer is seeking collaboration with key stakeholders on efforts to educate consumers about counterfeit medicines

MSF blames ViiV Healthcare for delaying access to new life-changing HIV medicine in vulnerable regions

MSF blames ViiV Healthcare for delaying access to new life-changing HIV medicine in vulnerable regions

MSF has raised concerns over new clauses introduced by ViiV Healthcare during their contract negotiations around cabotegravir, a new long acting HIV medicine.

South Africa : Pharmacists Now Allowed To Prescribe HIV/TB Medicines

South Africa : Pharmacists Now Allowed To Prescribe HIV/TB Medicines

South Africa has made a step forward in the fight against HIV with the implementation of the Pharmacist Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy.

Cipla expands in South Africa with acquisition of Actor Pharma for $49million

Cipla expands in South Africa with acquisition of Actor Pharma for $49million

Cipla has acquired Actor Pharma, a company specialized in OTC and generic medicines in South Africa.

Johnson & Johnson Makes Major Rebrand To Signal New Era

Johnson & Johnson Makes Major Rebrand To Signal New Era

For more than 135 years, Johnson & Johnson (the “Company”) has provided health care products and solutions to people worldwide.

Uganda set to roll out new injectable HIV prevention drug

Uganda set to roll out new injectable HIV prevention drug

Dr Daniel Byamukama, head of the HIV prevention division at the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) stated that there were plans to roll out the drug at the onset of January 2024.

New Country Ratifies The African Medicines Agency Treaty

New Country Ratifies The African Medicines Agency Treaty

The Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania have ratified the African Medicines Agency Treaty. AMA is expected to enhance regulatory capacity in Africa.

The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation Receives $12million To Operationalize And Recruit Pharma Expertise

The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation Receives $12million To Operationalize And Recruit Pharma Expertise

The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation will begin its operations in earnest after the African Development Fund provided a grant.

Pfizer Expected To Offload £2 billion Worth Of Haleon Shares

Pfizer Expected To Offload £2 billion Worth Of Haleon Shares

In a strategic move, Pfizer plans to sell 630 million Haleon shares estimated to be worth £2 billion.

SAHPRA signs MoU with Rwanda Food and Drug Authority

SAHPRA signs MoU with Rwanda Food and Drug Authority

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (Rwanda FDA).

How to improve inventory management in the pharmaceutical industry (5 quick tips)

How to improve inventory management in the pharmaceutical industry (5 quick tips)

In the last two years, if there is one thing that the Covid pandemic has taught us is that good inventory management practices are vital in shielding the pharmaceutical industry against unprecedented losses. These losses range from high financial losses since expired medicines can no longer be distributed to high disposal costs involved. The following are some of the best practices that pharmaceutical players can put in place and help mitigate losses particularly during the pandemic

Pharmaceuticals: 5 important principles to improve forecasting

Pharmaceuticals: 5 important principles to improve forecasting

Forecasting can be defined as the process of predicting sales and consumption of pharmaceuticals to allow purchase in appropriate quantities in advance.

Access to quality medication in Kenya: 4 limiting factors

Access to quality medication in Kenya: 4 limiting factors

A key building blocks of a good healthcare system is access to high-quality and affordable medication. In Kenya however there are great limitations

How to boost pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa

How to boost pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa

A report by WHO in 2022 showed that diseases such as HIV and Malaria in sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 85% and 95% of global HIV and malaria cases respectively. 73% of the estimated 1.6 million people who die annually from AIDS are Africans.

Counterfeit medicines: 3 ways Africa can win the fight

Counterfeit medicines: 3 ways Africa can win the fight

Counterfeit medicines are a huge challenge in Africa. 267000 people die annually in sub-Saharan Africa due to substandard or counterfeit anti-malarial medicines

African Pharma : 3 technology trends that could revolutionize the industry

African Pharma : 3 technology trends that could revolutionize the industry

African Pharma Industry can be shaped through leveraging on technology. Drug discovery, manufacturing, clinical trials and academia can all profit,

New study shows antidiabetic drug helps in weight loss

New study shows antidiabetic drug helps in weight loss

A new study has shown that a drug used in management of type 2 diabetes can lead to weight loss in patients who are obese or overweight.

African Pharma Industry 2023: What Made The Headlines

African Pharma Industry 2023: What Made The Headlines

The African Pharma Industry in 2023 was filled with some events that positively shaped the continent while some that showed challenges that are still abound.

The 3As That Will Drive Africa’s Pharmaceutical Agenda (2024)

The 3As That Will Drive Africa’s Pharmaceutical Agenda (2024)

There are initiatives (in this article referred to as the 3As) that have been launched in the continent by organizations such as the African Union (AU) aimed to revamp the African pharmaceutical sector.

Why Multinational Pharma Companies Are Withdrawing Operations In Africa.

Why Multinational Pharma Companies Are Withdrawing Operations In Africa.

When GSK’s CEO Emma Walmsley took over office from Andrew Witty in 2017, her strategy was clear; to create a more competitive operating model for the company’s business in emerging markets.

WHO Maturity Levels 3 and 4 : How To Attract More African Countries

WHO Maturity Levels 3 and 4 : How To Attract More African Countries

Many African National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) aspire to reach WHO Maturity levels 3 and 4 but struggle to do so. Financing is a major hindrance.

10 Important Medical Product Recalls In The African Market So Far (2024)

10 Important Medical Product Recalls In The African Market So Far (2024)

Medical product recalls is a great strategy in post-market surveillance in ensuring a market only has quality, safe and efficacious health products.

How to improve feasibility of local pharma manufacturing in Africa

How to improve feasibility of local pharma manufacturing in Africa

Through local pharma manufacturing, Africa could unlock the full potential of Africa's pharmaceutical sector. How can it be done in a sustainable manner?

Using AI to tailor drugs for Africa

Using AI to tailor drugs for Africa

Published in the 11 April 2024 edition of Nature, “AI can help to tailor drugs for Africa – but Africans should lead the way” outlines how machine learning (ML) can improve our understanding of how therapeutics might affect patients of African descent.

New report highlights pregabalin trafficking as a major concern

New report highlights pregabalin trafficking as a major concern

The medicine pregabalin is fast becoming an emerging point of concern in the Niger and other parts of West Africa, a UNODC report highlights.

NAFDAC boss: How local production is the answer to high cost of medicines

NAFDAC boss: How local production is the answer to high cost of medicines

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is working with pharmaceutical companies to reduce high cost of medicines in Nigeria.

How To Improve Pharma Through Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism

How To Improve Pharma Through Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism

Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism is a strategy poised to help improve affordability and accessibility of life saving medical products.

Counterfeit Medicines : 3 Ways Africa Can Win The Fight (II)

Counterfeit Medicines : 3 Ways Africa Can Win The Fight (II)

Counterfeit Medicines are a pervasive global challenge with Africa showing huge vulnerabilities that make it an easy prey for those involved.

Dr. Evelyn Wesangula Millions will die in Africa due to Antimicrobial  Resistance

Dr. Evelyn Wesangula Millions will die in Africa due to Antimicrobial Resistance

In this second episode Bevin has a candid conversation with a Senior Antimicrobial Resistance Control Specialist who works at the East Central and Southern Africa Health Community- Dr. Evelyn Wesangula. Dr. Wesangula explains why Africa as a continent should be keen on the issue of antimicrobial resistance, the role of community pharmacies, a message to health workers & the general public among other discussion points.

Methadone Clinic Pharmacist: Drug Dealers Lace Marijuana With Heroin To Get People Hooked

Methadone Clinic Pharmacist: Drug Dealers Lace Marijuana With Heroin To Get People Hooked

In this episode Bevin sits down with a pharmacist who has extensive experience working in medically assisted therapy (MAT) clinics where heroin addicts are managed using doses of synthetic opioids such as Methadone, Dr. Elizabeth Muritu.

Dr. Evelyn Wesangula -  Senior  Antimicrobial Resistance Control Specialist, East Central and Southern Africa Health Community.

Dr. Evelyn Wesangula - Senior Antimicrobial Resistance Control Specialist, East Central and Southern Africa Health Community.

In this second episode Bevin has a candid conversation with a Senior Antimicrobial Resistance Control Specialist who works at the East Central and Southern Africa Health Community- Dr. Evelyn Wesangula.

EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Tracie Muraya: Why we should all join forces to fight antimicrobial resistance

EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Tracie Muraya: Why we should all join forces to fight antimicrobial resistance

We have an informative conversation with Dr. Tracie Muraya about antimicrobial resistance focusing on what can be done to mitigate its impact

Dr. Christabel Khaemba : Patient Safety In Africa Through Pharmacovigilance

Dr. Christabel Khaemba : Patient Safety In Africa Through Pharmacovigilance

In this interview we discuss with Dr. Christabel Khaemba, Head of Pharmacovigilance at the PPB, Kenya the role of pharmacovigilance in patient safety.

Dr. Irene Chege : the pharmacist with a keen eye on traditional medicine

Dr. Irene Chege : the pharmacist with a keen eye on traditional medicine

In this interview, Dr. Irene Chege talks to us about her efforts in research on traditional medicines, their quality, safety and efficacy.

Prof Faith Okalebo: A stalwart of the pharmacy profession.

Prof Faith Okalebo: A stalwart of the pharmacy profession.

Get pharma insights from this interview with Prof Faith Okalebo. An Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi, where she teaches Pharmacology.

J&J agrees to drop price of TB drug in South Africa after intense pressure

J&J agrees to drop price of TB drug in South Africa after intense pressure

Johnson & Johnson have agreed to drop the price of a critical WHO recommended TB drug in South Africa.

3 ways outsourcing can unlock Africa’s pharmaceutical industry

3 ways outsourcing can unlock Africa’s pharmaceutical industry

Pharmaceutical companies in Africa can leverage outsourcing to improve cost and operational efficiencies while gaining access to high level technical know-how.

Disrupting and accelerating drug discovery for faster and more accurate lead identification

Disrupting and accelerating drug discovery for faster and more accurate lead identification

The pre-clinical drug discovery market is costly, inefficient and ripe for disruption, even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research shows 2-drug HIV regimen with comparable efficacy to 3-drug regimen

Research shows 2-drug HIV regimen with comparable efficacy to 3-drug regimen

GSK announced "positive" results from a study comparing the efficacy of the 2-drug regimen dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) to the 3-drug regimen bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (BIC/FTC/TAF) in managing virologically-suppressed adults living with HIV after 48 weeks of therapy. Both regimens are administered as a single tablet per day.

Pharma Supply chains of the future

Pharma Supply chains of the future

Pharmaceutical supply chains are essential for the national and health security and economic prosperity of the United States, stated Janet Woodcock, the then-acting FDA Commissioner, in June 2021.

Rapid alert notification issued on brand of antihypertensive drug

Rapid alert notification issued on brand of antihypertensive drug

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority of Cote d’Ivoire, l'AIRP, has issued a rapid alert on CARVEDI-DENK (carvedilol) 25 mg tablets due to quality concerns.

WHO invites Mpox vaccine manufacturers to apply for emergency use listing

WHO invites Mpox vaccine manufacturers to apply for emergency use listing

The World Health Organization (WHO) has invited Mpox vaccine makers to submit expression of interest (EOI) and subsequently, dossiers for evaluation leading to Emergency Use Listing (EUL).

Exploring local production as a strategy to enhance the African pharmaceutical sector

Exploring local production as a strategy to enhance the African pharmaceutical sector

In this interview, Kirti Narsai discusses the role local production of pharmaceuticals in Africa may play in enhancing growth of the sector.

Nigeria Issues Five Alerts on Confirmed Counterfeit Medicines in August

Nigeria Issues Five Alerts on Confirmed Counterfeit Medicines in August

The Nigerian Regulatory Authority, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), issued five alerts in August regarding confirmed cases of counterfeit medicines in the market.

Nigeria becomes first African country to receive mpox vaccines

Nigeria becomes first African country to receive mpox vaccines

Nigeria has become the first country in the continent (excluding clinical trial regions) to receive vaccines against the Monkey pox virus (mpox).