RMRDC Develops Cardiovascular Drugs from Mushrooms
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has developed a cardiovascular drug from oyster mushrooms.
The innovation is through patents created by the agency’s researchers and developed at the Professor Hussaini Ibrahim Technology and Innovation Center.
Project officer at the centre, Engr. Florence Madueguna said the drug known as Lovastatin is used for the reduction of cholesterol in the body.
Madueguna made this known at the facility in Abuja when members of the media were taken on a tour.
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She said, “This innovation was key to the agency’s first-place win at the 7th Science, Technology and Innovation Expo which also came with a substantial price win. The Lovastatin drug can be produced from oyster mushrooms and red-yield rice. The patent was created by our scientists, developed in this lab and we are partnering with the private sector for mass production.”
Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Corporate Services Department, Chukwuma Ngaha, said the center houses about 21 different plants which produce different raw materials sourced within the country with most of the machines designed and fabricated by scientists within the agency.
He said one of the agency’s pride is the soap noodles making, shea butter, and caustic soda machines designed and fabricated by their scientists and has so far been catering to local entrepreneurs in the country.