Uganda to start manufacturing cancer drugs

HEALTH | CANCER | DRUGS 

KAMPALA - Uganda has embarked on manufacturing its own cancer drugs, with the first batch expected to hit the market in July this year. 

The drugs, to be produced by Cipla Quality Chemical Industries under the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative, will accord cancer patients the much-needed therapy required to relieve their pain. 

Cipla Quality Chemical Industries is a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Uganda. 

According to a 2007 published report, it was the only company in Africa that manufactures triple-combination antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. 

The company also manufactures the antimalarial drug Lumartem, containing artemisinin and lumefantrine, as well as hepatitis B generic medicines Texavir and Zentair. 

John Kamili, the Cipla Quality Chemicals executive director and company pharmacist, said they have broadened their scope in drug production to include the manufacture of cancer drugs. 

“We are partnering with the Ministry of Health to produce these drugs here due to the increasing incidents of cancer among Ugandans,” Kamili told New Vision on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the launch of the Government-private sector initiative for vaccination of COVID-19 in Ntinda, Kampala. 

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja presided over the function. 

The Vaccine Access Initiative is meant to create fast access to vaccines and diagnostics. 

The facility located in the upscale area of Ntinda, Kampala, has a cold room with capacity to hold about 15 million vaccines at temperatures ranging between -60 and -90 degrees centigrade. 

This flagged off Government’s partnership with the private sector in dispensing COVID-19 vaccines, to ensure that the country meets the WHO target of having at least 70% of the population vaccinated before standard operating procedures are relaxed. 

Production requirements  

Kamili said they have already secured Government’s guarantee to purchase the cancer drugs through the BUBU initiative. 

“The current law allows Government to bypass the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets arrangements and procure a product for public distribution and use, especially in times of emergency. So, we benefited from that law,” he said. 

Kamili said the drug production facility, which will be in Luzira, will cost $15m (about sh55b) in the first phase and $30m (about sh110b) in the second phase. 

“The facility will be fitted with technology from Cipla India, which has for many years been producing human drugs. With such technology, these drugs will be cost-effective and of good quality, from one of the best manufactures in the world,” he said.

About cancer 

Cancer is a major public health burden in Uganda. The burden of cancer cuts across age, economic and financial strata. 

The Uganda Cancer Institute, mandated to spearhead cancer control, research and care in Uganda, recorded 7,000 new cases, 10% of which were children as of last year. 

However, Dr Charles Olaro, the director curative services at the health ministry, said there are over 30,000 cases of cancer in the country but the bulk of these do not go to health facilities for care. 

Some, he added, present late and die before treatment and care is provided. 

“We are addressing this matter by setting up regional cancer facilities to bring services closer to the people,” Olaro said. 

The leading killer cancer is cervical, claiming over 2,500 patients annually, followed by prostate and breast cancer. 

The other common cancers in Uganda are Kaposi Sarcoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, lung cancer, cancers of the bone, eye, colon and blood. Regarding treatment, Olaro said this varies depending on a patient’s condition. 

“Cancer isn’t like malaria, where you take oral treatment or go on a drip. Cancer patients have solid tumours, lymphomas and costs vary. Treatments may require different combinations of drugs,” he said. 

Cancer being a terminal illness, mostly requires palliative care, especially if it reaches advanced stages. 

Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing problems associated with a life-threatening illness. 

It prevents and relieves suffering through early identification, correct assessment and treatment, plus other problems such as physical or psychosocial.

The costs

As to whether the cancer drugs will be free of charge or not, John Kamili, the Cipla Quality Chemicals executive director, said Government will buy the drugs from Cipla and provide it free to the public. 

He said Cipla will start by manufacturing a range of oral solid dosages in the first phase and injection dosages in the second phase. 

Uganda’s pharmaceutical industry has grown from producing 15% of all the local drug needs five years ago to 35% currently. 

Forecasts indicate that the industry will produce up to 50% in the next five years, Kamili said. 

“Currently, the industry is worth $500m and this will double to $1b by 2027. There about 25 new pharmaceutical manufacturers preparing to set up in Uganda and the future is bright,” he said.