Uganda has approved the use of Covidex, a local herbal medicine, as a supporting treatment for viral infections, including COVID-19, Uganda's Daily Monitor reported Tuesday, June 29.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Tuesday, National Drug Authority (NDA) Executive Director, David Nahamya said after various assessments and inspections of the factory manufacturing the herbal medicine, they have approved its use to support the treatment of viral infections.
"After engagements, the innovators have removed unsubstantiated claims that the product treats and prevents COVID-19 and revised it to supportive treatment in the management of viral infections. NDA has granted Covidex an approval based on initial assessment, published literature, and safety studies conducted by the innovator," Nahamya announced.
The product has been formulated from herbal plants that have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of several diseases.
However, Nahamya stressed that the medicine does not cure COVID-19 but it can supplement the medicine being used by medics to treat coronavirus patients.
The drugs authority said it will continue to monitor the safety of Covidex through its post-market surveillance activities.