Howard University in Washington, D.C., has signed a partnership agreement with TNI BioTech Inc. of Bethesda, Maryland. Under the agreement, Howard University will conduct clinical trials in several African nations for drugs that help people who have been addicted to alcohol and illegal drugs. Other trials will involve new drug therapies for people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases. Howard University currently operates pharmacy projects in Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The project will be under the direction of Joseph Fortunak, associate professor of chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences at Howard University.
Anthony Wutoh, dean of the College of Pharmacy, stated, “We are very excited about the opportunity to collaborate with TNI BioTech to develop medications that may be effective in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, cancer and other disorders. We look forward to partnering further to provide our expertise in drug manufacturing, conduct of clinical trials and regulatory training for pharmaceutical development. We are especially pleased to provide support to assist nations in Africa and underscore our ongoing commitment to the development of people in Africa and throughout the African Diaspora.”
Dr. Wutoh is a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He holds a Ph.D. in pharmacy administration from the University of Maryland.
Under the agreement, TNI BioTech will assist the university in locating funding for its Center for Drug Research.
