The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has noted the story related to a reported COVID-19 breakthrough that was published in the Sunday Tribune, Weekend Argus and on iol.co.za on Sunday, 06 December 2020. In response, we would like to make the following comments. 

The University distances itself from the recently reported trial of an oral medicine for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Currently, there is no DUT Professor with a background in Clinical Pharmacology and we also confirm that there is currently no COVID-19 drug trial which is being conducted at DUT, nor approved by the DUT Research Ethics Committee (IREC). 

The Interim Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences at DUT, Professor Ashley Ross said: “It must be noted that in terms of the current legislation, all clinical trials must be approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). The University would not support any trial conducted without such prior approval.”