RESEARCH INNOVATION AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT UNIT (RIND)

Mission

To deploy research innovations towards addressing public health needs.

Vision

To transform research ideas into end products of value for national development.

Objective

To identify gaps in medical diagnostic needs and produce such locally
To validate and conduct quality controls on products produced
To render medical service in and outside NIMR
To rebrand NIMR and sell her to the public.

Prof N. N. Odunukwe

Director of Research & Head. RIND

Mr. A. B. Orok

Research Fellow & RIND Focal Person

Mrs. A. T. Asemota

CCO & Secretary

Mr. J. K. Omowhovo

Equipment Production/ Design Fabrication

BACKGROUND

The Research Innovation and Product Development Unit (RIND) was established in 2017 as an offshoot of the visit of NIMR’s Director – General, Prof. Babatunde Lawal Salako and NIMR’s management team to South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). The high point of our research focus is to identify gaps in laboratory and diagnostics needs and fill it with innovative research products.

The Unit started operation as a Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. N. N. Odunukwe. The team that made up RIND on inception were drawn from the following Committees:

Scientific Committee to pass report to RIND for review and approval.
Annual Conference/ Seminar Committee to pass programme to RIND for final approval.
Grant Sub-Unit/ M&E to pass report to RIND for review and approval.
NIMR Consult Unit to pass proposals and reports to RIND for review and approval.
Innovation Research to come up with results for patenting and marketing.

Our goal is to change narrative of over-dependence on importation of innovative products and to advance the course of medical research and diagnosis in Nigeria. RIND aim at narrowing the gaps in diagnostic needs of Nigerians through the production of proudly Nigerian NIMR Biotechnical Products and Services. We are determined to provide cost – effective basic medical equipment and reagents.

As part of its Modus Operandi, a working group was formed to undertake specific tasks under RIND’s initial TOR and ad hoc terms.

STRUCTURE OF WORKING GROUP AT INCEPTION

Knowledge Exchange and Impact Sharing Group ( 3 – 5 staff)
Research Development Group ( 3 – 5 staff)
Grants & Research Ethics Group ( 3 – 5 staff)
Secretariat ( 3 staff)

Terms of Reference (TOR)

To create avenues to nurture innovative ideas.
To liaise with NIMR Community towards securing viable research ideas and findings as patentable/ registrable products.
To articulate processes that will allow for commercialization of product developed in NIMR.
To implement frameworks for benefit sharing of research product commercialization.
To advice the Institute on major investment decisions in line with its strategic plan and policy and to oversee and promote the development and integration of the Institute’s knowledge exchange and impact strategy with its commitment to innovative excellence.

In 2019 RIND started operation as a Unit having satisfied management in the area of translating research ideas into innovative, quality and affordable medical products and services.

CURRENT STRUCTURE OF WORKING GROUP

Nurturing Innovation
QC and product registration
Commercialization

Achievements

Conceptualization & Development of Medical Products such as:

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

NIMR Biotech-Electrophoretic Machines, Mode I & II
NIMR Biotech – Hematocrit Centrifuge
NIMR Biotech – Biological Incubators
NIMR Biotech – Laboratory fitted Oven
NIMR Biotech – Bucket Centrifuge

REAGENTS & LABORATORY CONSUMABLES

NIMR Biotech – Haemoglobin Genotype buffer

DIAGNOSTICS KITS

NIMR Biotech DNA/RNA extraction kits
NIMR Biotech NimCure Project
NIMR Biotech COVID – 19 SIMA Testing Kits
NIMR Biotech POC – PCR Panel for febrile illness detection

PRODUCT VALIDITY TESTING

RIND carried out nation-wide validation of diagnostic accuracy and performance of NIMR – made electrophoretic machine for determination of haemoglobin genotype. The performance characteristics of NIMR-made electrophoretic machine for hemoglobin determination using standard machines currently in use in respective medical facilities in Lagos,Sokoto, Osun, Enugu and Kaduna States was validated.
Validation of efficacy of NIMR Biotech DNA Extraction Kits for Diagnostics Accuracy and Performance in Lagos and Osun State. Reports from these Centres showed a 100% performance agreement between NIMR – Biotech DNA extraction kits and most highly rated imported DNA extraction kits.

INNOVATION AWARDS

Research & Innovation awards were given to the following members of RIND:

Dr. C. K. Onwuamah – POC PCR for detection of febrile illness in children

Mr. O. S. Amoo – Development of NimCure for TB treatment adherence.

Dr. M. N. Fowora – Development of NIMR Biotech DNA/ RNA extraction kits.

Mr. A. B. Orok & J. K. Omowhovo – Genotype Machine/ Buffer Development

RIND SERVICES

We also carry out direct repairs, servicing and maintenance of the following:

Laboratory equipment, Theatre lamp, Baby incubators, Suction machines, Autoclaves, Hydronic beds, Operating tables etc.