Has anyone heard of the possible new sickle cell treatment Nicosan? What are the side effects?

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Hope this helps, good luck

Nigerian scientists develop drug for sickle cell
By
Jul 6, 2004, 16:42



The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, has developed an anti-sickling drug for the management of sickle cell anaemia.

The drug, NIPRISAN, was developed from four local herbs and roots by the institute’s scientists nine years ago, but had to be subjected to a series of clinical trials which began in August 1995, NIPRD’s director General, Dr Uford S Inyang said.

At the end of the three-phased clinical trials conducted at the NIPRD Clinic, Abuja, NIPRISAN was found to be non-toxic and efficacious in the management of sickle cell anaemia.

According to Dr Inyang, “Phase I of clinical trials began in August 1995 here in NIPRD; Phase II followed in 2001, spanning 12 months with 81 sickle cell patients within the age range of 2 to 45; and Phase III has just been concluded.”

He said that the Institute has fulfilled the requirements for registration of NIPRISAN, “which means the drug will also go into the Nigerian market in July (2004).”

Dr Inyang also said that clinical trials for the drug are currently going on in four hospitals in the United States, “in order to meet the requirements for registration of the drug under US laws.”

The drug has been further upgraded and renamed NICOSAN by an American pharmaceutical company, Xechem International Incorporated.

Xechem’s Vice-President in charge of International Operations, Mr Bhuwan C. Pandey, explained that his company came to collaborate with NIPRD to upscale the drug to meet international standards.

“NICOSAN is entirely a Nigerian effort. Your scientists discovered the drug, which is actually an extract from four local plants”, he said.

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© Copyright 2006 nigeriafirst.org



Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo Launches Xechem's Sickle Cell Drug, NICOSAN(TM), in Nigeria
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NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Jul. 11, 2006 (Business Wire) -- Xechem International, Inc. (OTC BB:XKEM). Xechem International joins in congratulating its subsidiary, Xechem Pharmaceuticals Nigeria, on the successful launch of its new Sickle Cell drug, NICOSAN(TM), at a ceremony held on July 6th at Xechem Park, SHESTCO Complex, Abuja, Nigeria. The launching ceremony that was presided over by Nigeria's President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, was broadcasted live throughout Nigeria. Days earlier, the drug was approved by Nigeria's drug and regulatory authority, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Xechem has obtained the exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture, market and sell NICOSAN(TM) under a licensing agreement with Nigeria's National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), a federal governmental agency whose scientists are credited with developing the drug.

President Obasanjo Tours Xechem Nigeria's Facilities

In remarks made at the launching ceremony, President Olusegun Obasanjo commended Xechem and its chairman, Dr. Ramesh Pandey, for their success to date in getting to the point of bringing this important drug to market and for validating the government of Nigeria's efforts to commercialize locally developed technologies: "In line with the reform agenda of this administration, the restructuring of the science, technology and innovation system has received priority attention. The re-engineering of the sector is hinged on the vision to make Nigeria a key participant and stakeholder in the application of new and emerging technologies and evolve an economy that is technology driven, private sector led and knowledge based. Today's occasion of launching of NICOSAN(TM) is an attestation that our policy is on the right course." Following the launching ceremony, President Obasanjo unveiled and toured Xechem's facilities and planted a tree on Xechem Nigeria's grounds to commemorate the occasion.

Dr. Pandey added: "We are extremely grateful to His Excellency, President Obasanjo, for making it a priority to personally launch NICOSAN(TM) and visiting Xechem's premises to mark this historic occasion. The President's participation in the ceremony reflects just how important this break-through sickle cell drug is, not only in Nigeria, but for those suffering with this debilitating disease all over the world." A gala affair attended by various ministers, high-level government officials, diplomats, and other business leaders, was held later that evening at the Abuja Sheraton Hotel in downtown Abuja.

About NICOSAN(TM)

NICOSAN(TM) is an anti-sickling "Natural Herbal Drug" developed by Nigerian Scientists at NIPRD and licensed by Xechem. In clinical studies conducted under NIPRD's auspices, the drug has shown to substantially reduce the degree of sickling of the affected red blood cells of those afflicted with the disease. While not a cure for SCD, the clinical trials have confirmed that the large majority of patients taking NICOSAN(TM) no longer experience sickle cell "crises" while on the medication, and even among those whose crises are not eliminated, the number and severity of the crises are substantially reduced.

About Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder caused by an abnormality in the hemoglobin molecule. Patients with the disease often produce stiff, abnormally shaped red blood cells that often do not flow freely through the blood vessels. This can create clogs in the vessels, which in turn cut off the flow of normal hemoglobin and oxygen to parts of the body, and can cause severe painful attacks or "crises," damage to various organs and shortened life spans. People with SCD often suffer unpredictable painful crises several times a year lasting from a few hours to a week or more. In the US, there are approximately 80,000 patients with SCD. In Nigeria, that number is believed to be approximately 4 million, and worldwide at least 12 million individuals are afflicted with SCD.

About Xechem

Xechem International is a development stage biopharmaceutical company working on anticancer, antiviral (including AIDS), antifungal, antimalarial and antibacterial products from natural sources, including microbial and marine organisms. Its focus is on the development of phyto-pharmaceuticals (natural herbal drugs) and other proprietary technologies, including those used in the treatment of orphan diseases. Xechem's mission is to bring relief to the millions of people who suffer from these diseases. Its recent focus and resources have been directed primarily toward the development and launch of NICOSAN(TM) (to be marketed as HEMOXIN(TM) in the US and Europe). With the Nigerian regulatory approval now in hand, Xechem will now turn to the commercialization of the drug in Nigeria and the pursuit of US FDA and European regulatory approval. In addition to NICOSAN(TM), Xechem is also working on another sickle cell compound, 5-HMF, which it has licensed from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, and section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by safe harbors created hereby. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties.

Newstex ID: BW-0001-9558733


Tagline:
Xechem International, Inc.
Stephen Burg, 707-425-8855

Credit: Xechem International, Inc.

Copyright (c) 2005 Business Wire. All of the news releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws, treaties and conventions. Information contained in the releases is furnished by Business Wire's members, who warrant that they are solely responsible for the content, accurancy and originality of the information contained therein. All reproduction, other than for an individual user's personal reference, is prohibited without prior written permission....Show more

if u have had problems with sickle cell annemia in the past, u should talk to ur doctor about the risks. But, u could just be a carrier. There is a 75% chance that u are just a carrier, which means u have the trait, but it is hidden by the more dominant trait. If u are just a carrier, u dont have sickle cells, which means that is wouldn't matter. If u do have sickle cells, u would have a problem because during exercise, red blood cells have to move more oxygen faster than usual. If ur sickle cells are getting stuck and jammed in blood vessels, the oxygen cant move. This would cause ur muscles to stop working because lactic acid fermentation can only take u so far. but like the others said, talked to a professional. All i know is from a biology movie....Show more