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We have taken note of a news article published in the Daily Graphic on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, headlined: “COA-72 undergoes clinical trials as anti-HIV drug”. While we commend the media’s interest in Ghanaian-led scientific innovation, we wish to state unequivocally that the report misrepresents key facts concerning COA Research and Manufacturing Limited Company (COA RMLC)’s current research efforts.
- No Claim of Clinical Trial Approval for COA-72 as Anti-HIV Drug
Contrary to the article’s assertion, COA RMLC has not received any approval from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA-Ghana) to conduct clinical trials of COA-72 as an anti-HIV drug. While pre-clinical research and pilot studies conducted in Ghana and at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa have yielded promising results—showing significant reduction in HIV viral load and in some cases complete viral clearance after oral, intramuscular, and intravenous administration—these studies are not equivalent to FDA-approved clinical trials. COA RMLC remains committed to upholding regulatory requirements and is actively seeking support to initiate full-scale clinical trials in line with FDA and WHO protocols.
- COA RMLC’s Position on the HIV Research
The President General of COA RMLC, Prof. (Hon.) Samuel Ato Duncan, has consistently emphasized that COA RMLC’s approach is based on two decades of dedicated scientific research and development of herbal-based medicinal products. These products—namely COA Mixture, COA Plus Mixture, COA-MT, and COA Capsules—are all approved by the FDA-Ghana. These formulations are not marketed as cures, but rather as immune boosters that support the body’s natural ability to fight infections and restore physiological balance.
Significant research conducted by institutions such as the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) have verified the presence of phytochemicals in COA Mixture with antiviral properties, including potential HIV-inhibiting compounds. However, further clinical validation is required to establish efficacy and safety in treating HIV infection. COA RMLC has made no premature claims to the contrary.
- COA RMLC’s Financial and Logistical Constraints
As was communicated during the recent visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, COA RMLC is facing significant financial and logistical constraints in scaling its research. The company lacks the necessary funding to:
- Initiate comprehensive clinical trials.
- Establish a world-class phyto-pharmaceutical facility for large-scale production of COA-72.
It is within this context that Prof. (Hon.) Duncan respectfully appealed to the government and the parliamentary delegation for support. The objective is to secure funding to enable COA RMLC to meet regulatory standards and complete the required research phases for COA-72 and other products.
The mention of $76 billion at the meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health was in reference to the expected revenue to be generated when the COA-72 is finally commercialized and not as stated by the reporter – “According to him, the company needed approximately $76 billion in funding to expand research and acquire critical equipment.”
- Request for Correction and Responsible Journalism
We respectfully request that the Daily Graphic issues a correction to the misleading headline and associated narrative suggesting that COA-72 is already undergoing approved clinical trials as an anti-HIV drug. Such statements risk distorting public perception, undermining regulatory processes, and damaging the reputation of a company working within legal and scientific frameworks.
COA RMLC remains transparent and committed to integrity in research, with a vision to offer scientifically proven, safe, and effective plant-based medicines. We appreciate media collaboration but urge responsible reporting that accurately reflects the facts presented.
Signed,
Management
