ABSTRACT

Research and development of Niprisan began at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) in 1993, when preliminary information was received regarding the apparent effectiveness of a crude herbal product in the management of Sickle cell disorder (SCD). Initial scientific studies at the NIPRD laboratory demonstrated that Niprisan protected red blood cells obtained from patients with SCD from being sickled when such cells were exposed to low oxygen tension. Analysis of the effect of Niprisan on Hemoglobin S oxygen affinity indicated that it slightly shifted the oxygen-dissociation curve of hemoglobin SS genotype to the left without any apparent change in the Hill coefficient. Bio-guided fractionation of the Niprisan was undertaken. In order to enhance consistency in the quality of Niprisan using different batches of plant samples, a quality assurance system was established. In order to market Niprisan globally, it was decided to grant the license for commercial production and global marketing to a reputable international company.