NAFDAC Updates Public On GLUCOZIL Says Product Listing Expired Nov 2022

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday refuted media reports (not this medium) that a listed local herbal medicine “Glucozil” produced by Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma was approved by NAFDAC for the treatment and cure of Diabetes Mellitus and capable of treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Prostrate Enlargement) together with some anti-inflammatory properties.

While explaining the Agency’s position on the matter in a statement yesterday personally signed by the Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said the listing of the said product expired on November 9, 2022.

NAFDAC said treatment, curative, and preventive claims for Diabetes, Benign prostatic hyperplasia, and detoxification were never approved for Glucozil as claimed in the publication.

While describing the report as misleading, she assured the general public of NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring public health and safety through stringent regulatory oversight.

According to NAFDAC DG, the Agency Listed Glucozil Capsule on the 10th of November 2020 for the “Management Of High Blood Sugar” (as captured on the approved label and Listing Certificate issued to the applicant) which was valid till the 9th of November 2022. Therefore the herbal medicine certificate has expired.

“As specified in the Herbal Medicine and Related Products Labelling Regulations 2021, this listing was subject to the inclusion of the mandatory Disclaimer “These claims have not been evaluated by NAFDAC” on the product label. This is the regular disclaimer that is used and required for other listed herbal products that have not undergone Clinical Trials that the Agency deemed satisfactory.

“Treatment, Curative and Preventive Claims for Diabetes, Benign prostatic hyperplasia and detoxification were never approved for Glucozil as claimed in the publication and hence should be disregarded by the public.

“From our records, Ambrose Alli University was neither the manufacturer nor the applicant of the said product for which the Listing is no longer valid. The University should have verified the status of the herbal medicine certificate and the approved claim,” NAFDAC DG explained in the statement.

She said the manufacturing, distribution or marketing of this product is not allowed until the renewal application has been submitted and approved by the Agency.

While emphasizing the importance of verifying information from credible sources before disseminating, the said misleading reporting can misinform those seeking medical treatment thereby jeopardizing their health.

She said NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring public health and safety through stringent regulatory oversight remains steadfast.

While encouraging the public to refer to NAFDAC’s official communications channels for accurate updates and information, she advised media practitioners to exercise caution when interpreting health-related claims.