Medical Biotechnology
The Medical Biotechnology Department (MBD) is one of the pioneer departments started in 2001 at the take-off of the Agency however, it underwent a thorough restructuring in June 2016 under a new leadership. This necessitated the development of current laboratories, creation of additional units and purposeful research groups to deliver onto the set objectives and mandate of the institution. The department amongst other objectives is tailored towards scientific engagement through research and developmentof several areas of Nigerian healthcare system (including medico-judicial laboratory protocols and systems) in other to provide sustainable solutions to infectious and non-infectious diseases specifically those posing challenges to the country’s healthcare delivery system. The employment of new technologies and global best practices to develop preventive, therapeutic and diagnostic tools is substantive as well as deployment of such to solve health problems of regional interest. The department is headed by a Research Director with 3 administrative staff and over 30 researchers, staff-scientistsand technologist.Currently, the department has two (2) divisions (Human and Animal) and seven(7) administrative units.
OUR VISION
To develop and deploy biotechnology techniques for affordable healthcare.
OUR MISSION
To improve social welfare and healthcare delivery by understanding human diseases at a molecular level and their mechanism of action.
The Future of Medical Biotechnology
Departmental Objectives
1. Deployment of recombinant technology for relevant application in healthcare products and transgenic animal development. 2. Development of candidate vaccines for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and pathogens.
3. Generation of monoclonal antibodies for therapy and other useful R & D purposes. 4. Discovery, design and development of novel molecular diagnostic protocols and point of care diagnostics.
5. Production and development of high-expressing,stable cell banks from DNA to support research as well asexpression of modified cells which could be used to treat multiple genetic diseases. 6. Establish suitable transgenic animal models (e.g., mouse strains that develop HIV,diabetics, malaria etc.) for the study of human chronic diseases for highly sensitive in vivo systems that could evaluate carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and teratogenicity of environmental and therapeutic agents; and to produce severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice for transplantation of human cells and tissues.
7. Develop a National DNA database and reference services for Forensic investigations, research and development. 8. Discovery and development of biopharmaceuticals and drugs from locally occurring plant resources of known and unknown pharmacological action.
9. Coordinate and maintain the training and re-training of scientists and professionals in areas of immunology and infectious pathogen control. 10. Develop Industry-Research/development linkage with Pharma and Biotech industries in Nigeria for the purpose of need base product line development.
Our Divisions
Human Health
- Immunovirology and Vaccine Development Unit
- Biomolecular Simulation and Biomedical Informatics Unit
- Bioethics and Policy Research Unit
- Forensics DNA Unit
- Infectious Disease and Human Biospecimen Unit
Animal Health
- Animal Models for Human Diseases Unit
- Medicinal Plant Resources and Biopharmaceutical Unit
Director Medical Biotechnology Department
Dr. Ibeh Bartholomew Okechukwu
He obtained his MSc degree in Biochemical Pharmacology & Toxicology and Ph.D in Immunochemistry/Medical Biochemistry from University of Nigeria with sub-specialty in Immunogenomicsand a Diploma in BioriskManagement from Biosafety Training Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK. He has received several academic awards and international grants as well as published extensively in reputable peer reveiw journals mainly in areas of immunology, pharmacology and genomics. Dr. Ibeh has University teaching and supervision experience as well as editorship of several expert opionin on HIV therapeuticsand vaccine development including selling specialized globally published books.His research focus is on determinants of genetic diversity and effective immunological/cellular responses to primary viral isolates with the intention to create a broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bnMAbs) targeted at therapeutic Abs and candidate vaccine development. Other projects include STR generation of tribes in Nigeria and point of care diagnostics development. A Member of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, International AIDS Society (IAS), Fellow College of Biomedical Engineering and Technology(FCBET) and a Certified Biosafety and Biosecurity Professional. His professional career also extends to translational science and human empowerment where he has consulted widely for major global organizations (UNDP,DFID etc) on a number of funded regional projects through both competitive and invited
MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT UNITS
OUR KEY ACTIVITIES
- Recombinant Technology: Antibody and Vaccine
- Molecular Diagnostics/Typhoid Fever Project
- STR population Generation project
- Stem cell project/Insulin
- Malaria project and animal house
UNITS
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Research Groups
Recombinant technology involves combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic sequences. These engineered sequences can be inserted into host cells (like bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells) to produce proteins—such as antibodies or vaccine antigens—at scale.
This powerful technique forms the backbone of modern biotechnology, enabling the production of biologics with high precision, purity, and reproducibility.
Molecular diagnostics refers to techniques that detect genetic markers in the genome or proteome of microorganisms. These methods are based on nucleic acid amplification, such as:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
CRISPR-based detection systems
Unlike conventional diagnostics (culture, microscopy, serology), molecular diagnostics can identify pathogens even at very low levels, and can distinguish between closely related organisms or strains.
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To revolutionize global healthcare through innovation in medical biotechnology, creating a healthier future for all by advancing precision medicine, life-saving therapies, and cutting-edge diagnostics.
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Benefits of Medical Biotechnology
General departmental needs assessments as ascertained by the HOD
The Department (MBD) seeks to attract both renown and young scientists as well as database managers around the globe for short term fellowships as well as resultoriented collaboration in the areas of Forensic DNA, vaccinology, immunology, antibody generation, transgenic animal models and biobanking/cell line development. Establishing an enduring and lasting partnerships with Pharma/Biotech industries for population driven products through joint research and development is core to the aspiration of MBD.
Department research Capacity (equipments, skills and staff competence)
The major objective of the MBD is to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms of diseases and to turn this knowledge into medical progress and useful products. To this end the department is active in key areas of biomedical research, developing products through the translation of scientific knowledge. Accordingly, five (5) researchgroups of the MBD namely;
Molecular Diagnostic for infectious Diseases,
Recombinant Technology for Antibody &Vaccine,
DNA Typing for Human identification,
Transgenic Phytopharmaceutical plants and
Sterile Insect Technology(SIT)
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PROJECTS IN MBD DEPARTMENT
1. SHORT TANDEM REPEAT ANALYSIS OF DNA OF ETHNIC GROUPS IN NIGERIA
Description: The establishment of a forensic laboratory and technology platforms for the Human DNA typing database necessary for technology deployment to other key sectors.
Objective: To obtain the DNA profiles of major population groups in Nigeria to determine the allele distributions of the core 16 genetic loci to identify informative genetic-based markers useful for forensic testing, human identification, and gene diversity studies for the Nigerian population. To fully understand genetic diversity, population structure, and ancestral patterns, an in-depth short tandem repeat (STR) study of DNA samples from several ethnic groups in Nigeria will be performed. Through the application of this analysis, we hope to shed light on population genetics, migratory patterns, and demographic history. These insights will help guide future medical research, forensic investigations, and public health initiatives that are specifically designed to address the genetic diversity of Nigeria’s population.
2. RECOMBINANT VACCINE REFERENCE LABORATORY
Description: The development of a vaccine reference laboratory as a platform for nationwide infectivity/biosecurity and candidate vaccines for a better healthcare delivery system.
Objective: To establish a vaccine reference laboratory that will serve as a platform for nationwide infectivity/biosecurity and to identify candidate vaccines for infectious diseases of interest
3. ACQUISITION OF RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION OF VACCINES (HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS, HEPATITIS B & C, PEDIATRICS VACCINES)
Description: The acquisition of capacity to develop recombinant DNA vaccines and molecular diagnostic kits is important for the country and the establishment of a network of experts for vaccine and infectious disease response.
Objective: To increase the capacity to develop recombinant DNA vaccines and molecular diagnostic kits as well as to establish a network of experts who can be activated in emergent disease situations, develop and conduct field trials of molecular diagnosis of S. typhi, validation, and publication of covid-19 LFA kits, design of combo LFA kits with sensing function, and development of skill on rotavirus candidate vaccine- phase 1
4. ESTABLISHMENT OF REFERENCE ANIMAL BIOSAFETY FACILITY
Description: The establishment of a laboratory and transgenic animal facility.
Objective: The establishment of a reference animal biosafety facility aims to offer an innovative environment for ethically and safely carrying out animal research. By providing specialized infrastructure, knowledge, and resources for the investigation of infectious diseases, the development of vaccines, and other biomedical research fields, this institute seeks to promote scientific breakthroughs. The institution aims to ensure the health and well-being of researchers and animals while promoting excellence in research through strict compliance with biosafety measures and animal welfare standards. The reference animal biosafety facility aims to promote collaboration, innovation, and the broadening of knowledge in the field of biomedical sciences by operating as a reliable resource for the scientific community.
5. ASSESSMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO COMBAT MALARIA, SITE AND DEVELOPMENT OF RECOMBINANT VACCINE AS WELL AS DEVELOPMENT OF BIOPHARMACEUTICALS DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO COMBAT MALARIA
Description: to develop and deploy new technologies to combat malaria and develop biopharmaceuticals against malaria.
Objectives: The trial and validation of mosquito rearing laboratory and the transfer of transgenic mosquitoes. The production ofessential Recombinant Biopharmaceuticals used in clinical therapy including Erythropoietin (anti-anaemia), interferon alpha 2a (anti-tumor and anti-viral) and Recombinant Human Insulin (against diabetes) is one of the key projects of the department. The international center for genetic engineering and biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy is working in collaboration with NABDA to transfer the technology to Nigeria for the local production of the three medicaments above.Biopharmaceuticals Research and Development has been included in the National Pharmacists Training Curriculum.
6. INFECTIOUS DISEASES RESEARCH LABORATORY/MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS
Infectious Diseases Research is the main thrust of activities in the department. Its areas of research interest include HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, Onchocerciasis, Trypanosomiasis, Filariasis, Syphilis and other infectious diseases like haemorrhagic fever viruses, respiratory viruses and arboviruses.
Looking at the Future
Applications and Impact
Medical biotechnology is making a profound impact across various sectors: Healthcare: Enabling personalized medicine tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup. Pharmaceutical Industry: Supporting the development of safer and more effective drugs. Public Health: Contributing to the control and eradication of infectious diseases. Global Disease Management: Improving access to diagnostics and therapies in underserved regions.
Welcome to the World of Medical Biotechnology
Get Involved
Medical biotechnology is not just a scientific discipline—it is a driving force behind the transformation of modern medicine. By combining life sciences with cutting-edge technologies, it continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in human health. Whether it's through groundbreaking gene therapies, life-saving vaccines, or precision diagnostics, medical biotechnology is shaping a healthier, more hopeful future for all.