FDA Ghana Disclaims Approval of COA 72 for HIV Clinical Trials
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana has firmly debunked media reports claiming it has approved COA 72 for clinical trials as an anti-HIV drug.
The reports, which first appeared on the front page of the Daily Graphic on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and have since spread across digital platforms like Graphic Online, suggest that COA 72 is being tested for HIV treatment with FDA Ghana’s backing. However, the FDA categorically denies these claims.
According to a formal statement signed by Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni, acting CEO of FDA Ghana, no such clinical trial has been approved. The authority further stated that it is not aware of any ongoing study involving COA 72 for HIV prevention or treatment in Ghana.
“Any claims suggesting FDA-authorised trials for COA 72 as an anti-HIV drug are completely false, deceptive, and pose a serious public health risk,” the statement read.
/The FDA has expressed concern over the widespread circulation of this false information, warning that it not only misleads the public but also undermines its credibility as a regulatory body. The authority emphasized that promoting unverified health claims can result in real-world harm, especially when it concerns diseases as critical as HIV.
Demand for Retraction
The FDA has demanded a full retraction of the story within one week of receiving its official notice. This retraction must appear both in print and online editions of the Daily Graphic, accompanied by a correction that accurately reflects the FDA’s stance. Failure to comply, the statement warned, could lead to legal action against the publishers for disseminating false public health information.
Editor’s Response
In response, the editorial team at Daily Graphic acknowledged the mistake, attributing it to a “printer’s devil” rather than any deliberate attempt to mislead. The publication has apologized unreservedly for the error and any confusion it may have caused.
