Sarah E. Alfa
The novel DNA Polyvalent Anti-tick Vaccine produced by the African Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), University of Jos, has been awarded Certificate of Registration of Patent under the Patents and Designs Acts; Cap 344 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
This invention discloses two novel DNA anti-tick vaccines, JUTVAC-NGtm for Cattle, Sheep and Goats and DOGVAC-Ntm for Dogs. These vaccines were formulated using a proprietary blend of antigens (BM86 orthologs) derived from three pathogenic tick gut proteins in Nigeria, ensuring a targeted and robust immune response in the respective animal hosts in Africa.
The Anti-tick Vaccine research, which has research investigators, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor, University of Jos and Prof. Abraham Dogo, Director, ACEPRD, was first unveiled at the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Expo 2024 held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
The University of Jos came first in the Tertiary Institutions Category and won an award of one million naira at the Expo. Apart from the innovative Novel DNA Anti-tick Vaccine, ACEPRD also displayed other top products at the STI Expo, namely the ScabiPlus – Soap, ointment and Shampoo, Dried mushrooms and powdered mushrooms.
According to the Director of the ACEPRD, the anti-tick vaccine was developed through research sponsored by two National Research Fund grants by the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) in 2023-2025. He added that the JUTVAC-NGtm and the DOGVAC-Ntm have a very high potency rate of about 90 per cent, being a DNA vaccine.
“I am the lead inventor and Principal Investigator. Yes, we have other team members such as Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Dr Gloria Karaye, Prof. Henry Madubuike, Dr Uzal Umar, amongst others.”
On commercialising the JUTVAC-NGtm and the DOGVAC-Ntm, Prof. Dogo disclosed that the ACEPRD is working closely with the Raw Material Research and Development Council, NOTAP, Federal Ministry of Livestock, NVRI Vom and other relevant agencies.
He continued that the ACEPRD is also researching a DNA Coccidian Vaccine, the development of Mushroom Tea and Anti-Sleeping Sickness Vaccines.
While receiving the team of the ACEPRD that came tops at the STI Expo 2024 at his office, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, commended the research team, of which he is one, and promised that the University will support them, but urged them to continue in research that will better the lot of humanity.
Director, ACEPRD, Prof. Abraham Dogo, speaking on the Novel DNA Anti-tick Vaccine and its importance, explained that tick affects both animals and humans, causing anaemia. “This is the first vaccine to control bacteria and other parasites in humans and animals”, he added.
