Introduction.
In preparing for this talk, I surveyed the explosion in medical research and how it is impact on the nature of clinical/medical therapy that is unfolding. The world is rapidly moving from previous modalities based on empirical and phenomenological treatment modalities, towards more targeted therapy. For example, it is now possible to deliver treatment at a specific organ by means of nanotechnology and targeted therapy i.e. medical therapy is getting less empirical.
In giving this talk, I will like to discuss current trends in research that are leading to better management of diseases. The conclusion of the Human genome project and mapping of appropriate genes that are involved in disease processes are impacting on better treatment delivery models. However the major ingredients for successful research are manpower capability, equipment and most importantly, funding.
There is no doubt that in the early days of medical research in Nigeria, we have contributed our quota to global therapeutics, especially in the areas of tropical diseases. To name a few individuals that blazed the trail, we have the likes of Osuntokun of the tropical neuropathic syndrome fame, Salako on malaria therapy, Elebute on post-operative fluid and electrolyte therapy. We also had Dosekun who with Grayson at Ibadan carried out research in fluid distribution among the body compartments as well as Grillo of anatomy department in Ibadan on basic research in pancreatic islet cells, with his empire of histochemistry and the electron microscope. There have been several more that I may have missed and I apologize