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.
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Prof N. N. Odunukwe

Director of Research & Head. RIND
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Mr. A. B. Orok

Research Fellow & RIND Focal Person
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Mrs. A. T. Asemota

CCO & Secretary
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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.

  • Hand Sanitizer Production (spray, gel,)
  • Surface/ Car Sanitizing Spray
  • Hypochlorite Solution
  • Facemask Sterilization

EQUIPMENTS PRODUCED BY RIND (FINISHED PRODUCTS)

NIMR BIOTECH GENOTYPE MACHINES- MODEL 1

NIMR BIOTECH GENOTYPE MACHINE MODEL II

NIMR Biotech Biological Incubator

NIMR Biotech Bucket Centrifuge

NIMR BIOTECH INCUBATOR & HOT AIR OVEN

OUR SHOWROOM

(Please visit our Showroom for more details)

NIMR KITS AND REAGENTS

RIND TECHNICAL/ PRODUCTION TEAM

Prof. N. N. Odunukwe      –        Director of Research & Head RIND

Dr. A. G. Ohihoin             –        Deputy Head

Mr. A. B. Orok                 –        Researcher & RIND Focal Person

Dr. C. K. Onwuamah       –        Innovator, Isothermal POC PCR

Mr. O. S. Amoo                –        Innovator, NimCure Project

Dr. M. N. Fowora             –        Innovator, Biotech DNA/ RNA Extraction Kits

Dr. N. M. Otuonye           –        Logistics/ Quality Control

Dr. E. N. Ohihoin             –        Researcher

Dr. J. O. Okwuzu             –        Researcher

Mr. A. K. Adeneye           –        Researcher/ Logistics

Mr. J. K. Omowhovo        –        Equipment Production, Design Fabrication

& Servicing

Mrs. A. T. Asemota          –        CCO & Secretary

 

RIND COMMERCIALIZATION TEAM

Mr. Oluseyi Aina              –        Deputy – Director

Barr. Nnamdi Udu, esq    –        Legal Officer

Mrs. Bolanle Atte             –        Higher Executive Officer

For enquiries contact:

Prof. N. N. Odunukwe,
BM,ChB, FWACP, MNIM, MD.
Director of Research & Head, RIND
+234 803 321 8053 nkiruodunukwe@gmail.com