COARMLC, a Ghanaian research and manufacturing company, has issued a strong rebuttal against media reports claiming their product, COA-72, is currently undergoing clinical trials as an anti-HIV drug. The company asserts that the reports, originating from a Daily Graphic article published on July 16, 2025, misrepresented information shared during a visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health to their facilities on July 14, 2025. COARMLC insists they never stated COA-72 was in active clinical trials for HIV and emphasizes their commitment to scientific accuracy and regulatory compliance. Following the publication, COARMLC contacted the Daily Graphic, resulting in a rejoinder published on July 17, 2025. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana also issued a disclaimer confirming that no clinical trials for COA-72 as an HIV treatment had been approved, corroborating COARMLC’s position.
The miscommunication seems to stem from the interpretation of information shared by COARMLC’s founder and CEO, Samuel Ato Duncan, during the parliamentary committee’s visit. Mr. Duncan recounted his long-held ambition, dating back to 2005, to discover a natural HIV cure. This aspiration has fueled two decades of research into plant-based pharmaceuticals, resulting in several products like COA Mixture, COA Plus, COA-MT, and COA Capsules. However, none of these products, including COA-72, are currently approved for HIV treatment. COARMLC clarified that while COA-72, a new formulation, has shown promising antiviral and anticancer properties in pre-clinical and internal studies, it has yet to enter formal, FDA-approved clinical trials.
COARMLC explained that their presentation to the committee was intended to introduce COA-72 as a potential therapeutic agent and to solicit support for initiating formal investigations. They stressed that their appeal for backing was not an announcement of ongoing clinical trials. The company estimates that if COA-72 proves successful in official trials, it could significantly boost Ghana’s economy, potentially contributing $76.8 billion annually and creating numerous jobs. This projection underscores the potential economic impact of the research, further emphasizing the need for proper regulatory procedures and rigorous scientific validation.
The company’s statement detailed their interaction with the FDA. In 2019, COARMLC applied to the FDA for permission to commence clinical trials for COA-72. The FDA acknowledged the application and outlined the necessary prerequisites for initiating clinical testing. These requirements included collaboration with accredited research institutions, adherence to established protocols, and the involvement of medical professionals. COARMLC acknowledged that they haven’t yet fulfilled all of these FDA stipulations, further reinforcing their insistence that no clinical trials are currently underway.
While preliminary studies, both local and international, have yielded encouraging results, including a reduction in HIV viral load and even viral clearance in some cases, COARMLC cautioned against misinterpreting these outcomes as conclusive clinical evidence. They emphasized that these preliminary findings do not circumvent the need for rigorous FDA-approved clinical research. The company underscored its commitment to adhering to all regulatory guidelines and international best practices. They reiterated their dedication to working with the FDA, the WHO, and qualified research institutions to advance the development of COA-72 responsibly.
COARMLC expressed regret for any public confusion arising from the inaccurate media reporting and appealed for responsible journalism in the future. They highlighted the importance of public trust and regulatory compliance, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and scientific integrity. The company concluded its statement by reiterating its focus on responsible innovation in plant-based medicine for the advancement of public health and national development.
