Jovita Daraezinwa, a medicinal chemist specializing in cancer drug discovery, has called on all stakeholders to increase investments in pharmaceutical research, particularly in the development of targeted cancer treatments. With years of experience in organic synthesis and cancer pharmacology, Daraezinwa emphasizes the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat drug resistance in cancer therapy.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, Daraezinwa stressed the importance of prioritising drug research to develop more effective cancer treatments. “The landscape of cancer treatment is changing rapidly, cancer prevalence is rising in Africa and we are not ready for it. Even medically advanced countries of the world are still struggling with resistance to existing therapies,” she stated. “We need to focus on mechanistic targeting of key regulatory proteins like SHP2, which plays a crucial role in cancer cell survival and proliferation.”

Daraezinwa’s research focuses on the interplay between SHP2 and UNC5B, a lesser-known upstream mediator involved in cell migration and angiogenesis. She argues that by addressing this pathway, researchers can develop more effective treatments that overcome resistance to conventional SHP2 inhibitors.

“The problem with most existing cancer drugs is that they eventually stop working for many patients,” she explained. “Through pharmacological depletion of SHP2, we can potentially bypass these resistance mechanisms and offer better outcomes for patients.”

She further highlighted the economic burden that cancer places on families and healthcare systems. According to her, targeted drug discovery not only improves patient survival rates but also reduces long-term treatment costs.

“To truly make a difference, governments must allocate more funding to research institutions and encourage collaborations between academic scientists and pharmaceutical companies within and outside Nigeria,” Daraezinwa urged. “Without sufficient investment, we risk falling behind in the global fight against cancer.” We also need steady power for research.

Beyond research, Daraezinwa is also known for increasing public awareness on cancer research through communicating science to non-expert audience, stressing that patients and policymakers alike must understand the significance of innovative drug research. She has won several science communications awards notably is the 3 minute thesis(3MT) award at the University of Kentucky for being able to communicate her doctoral research to the general public in 3 minutes using simple words. She went on to represent her university at the regional 3MT competition and was among the top finalists from over 58 southern Universities in the US.

“Science shouldn’t just stay within the lab,” she said. “We need to bridge the gap between research and public knowledge and policy. When policy makers understand why these advancements matter, they are more likely to support funding for research.” Also when people understand our science, they are more likely to trust it and advocate for it in their daily lives. This also means they will take care of their health better.

Her call to action extends beyond the United States, as she is also passionate about improving cancer treatment accessibility in Africa. Having studied in Nigeria before pursuing her PhD in the U.S., she believes that many African nations lack the necessary research infrastructure to develop their own pharmaceutical innovations.

“We have brilliant scientists in Africa, but they need resources,” she emphasized. “The government should create policies that support homegrown research, so we don’t have to rely solely on imported cancer drugs.”

Daraezinwa’s advocacy aligns with her broader mission: ensuring that innovative cancer treatments benefit not just wealthy nations but also underserved populations.

“We are on the brink of breakthroughs in cancer treatment,” she concluded. “But to translate these discoveries into real solutions, we need strong governmental support, sustained funding, and global collaboration.”

As governments worldwide continue to assess their healthcare priorities, experts like Daraezinwa are making a strong case for why cancer drug research must be at the forefront of scientific investment.