Mapp Biopharmaceutical, the makers of Zmapp drug used with positive results on American doctor, Kent Brantly and nurse, Nance Writebol, who got infected with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Liberia, have forwarded the drug to Liberian authorities for treatment of Liberians suffering from the virus.
After Nigeria’s request for the drug was turned down, President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made the same request, and it is believed that Liberia’s request was granted as it is one of the countries worst hit by the deadly disease.
Even though the drug is still untested and has only been used on monkeys and chimpanzees, Liberia’s Minister of Information, Lewis Brown, said that in the prevailing circumstances, the use of an untested drug is a risk worth taking.
“The alternative for not testing this is death, certain death. This is not even the rock and a hard place for us," he said.
“We think those that have been infected should be given the chance to have that tested on them if they give their consent to do so."
Brown added that the Liberian government understands the risks associated with the drug, but anyone asked to choose between taking a life-threatening risk, and dying will certainly choose the former.
Officials of the drug company also confirmed that the drug had been sent, saying that after sending it, their supplies were depleted.
The company also confirmed that the drugs were not sold, but were rather given freely to help Liberia’s Ebola struggles.
The US did not do the actual sending, as officials of the government have said they only connected the Liberian government with the Zmapp makers.