The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana has firmly denied media reports suggesting that it has approved COA 72 for clinical trials as a treatment for HIV.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Authority responded to a front-page publication in the Daily Graphic and similar online reports, including on Graphic Online, which claimed that COA 72 is currently undergoing FDA-approved clinical trials as an anti-HIV drug.
The FDA wishes to categorically state that it has not approved any clinical trial involving COA 72 for the treatment or prevention of HIV, the statement emphasized.
The regulatory body further clarified that:
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FDA Ghana has not approved any clinical trial involving COA 72 for the treatment or prevention of HIV.
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FDA Ghana has no knowledge of any such trial currently being conducted in Ghana.
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Any claims suggesting that COA 72 is undergoing an FDA-authorized clinical trial as an anti-HIV drug are false, deceptive, and potentially dangerous
According to the FDA, the spread of unverified and inaccurate health information undermines public trust in Ghana’s regulatory systems and could have serious implications for patient safety. The FDA described the claims as “deceptive and potentially dangerous.”
As a result, the Authority has demanded a full retraction of the publication within one week of receiving the notice. This retraction must be published both in the print edition of the Daily Graphic and on Graphic Online. Moreover, the retraction must be accompanied by a correction that accurately reflects the FDA’s official position on the matter.
“Failure to comply,” the FDA warned to explore legal action against your organization for the publication and dissemination of false public health information.
The FDA also reminded the public that it is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Institution and an ISO 17025:2017 Accredited Laboratory. It also holds the status of a WHO Regional Centre of Regulatory Excellence (RCORE) in Clinical Trials and Pharmacovigilance and is recognized as a WHO Maturity Level 3 National Regulatory Authority.
For accurate and up-to-date information on clinical trials authorized by the FDA, the public is encouraged to contact the Authority directly or visit the official website: www.fdaghana.gov.gh.
The FDA concluded by urging the media and public to exercise caution when disseminating health-related information and to rely solely on verified sources.
Read the full statement below:
Source: NewsAfricaGhana.com
