Simon Agwale, Ph. D is the founder and CEO of INNOVATIVE BIOTECH LTD, Keffi, Nigeria (www.innovativebiotechng.com). Dr Simon Agwale is a highly respected virologist/vaccinologist especially with regard to his work on HIV vaccine development. He has a vision for the development and investigation of HIV vaccine constructs from prevalent Nigerian strains which are relevant to Nigerians. Dr Agwale has put a lot of efforts to push this agenda forward and has received global recognition for these laudable efforts. He has already made several candidates DNA vaccines, some of which have been shown to be immunogenic in animal models. His studies on molecular epidemiology of HIV in Nigeria led to the establishment of subtypes A/G recombinant and G as the most predominant subtypes in Nigeria. Dr. Agwale led the studies that established the first molecular evidence of HIV-2 in Nigeria. In addition, he reported the first case of drug resistant HIV-1 in Nigeria. Dr. Agwale spearheaded a series of studies that established a murine model of HIV Tat-mediated immune modulation. This model will be invaluable in allowing the identification of novel Tat immunogens that could afford protection against this activity of the HIV-1 Tat protein.

With over 10 years experience combining top-level scientific research with the operations of a private company, he has been involved in academic research at various institutions in Nigeria, Brazil, Germany, the UK, and the United States. Before coming back to Nigeria, Dr. Agwale worked for several years at the institute of Human Virology, Baltimore, USA. Between 2001 and 2003, he served as Head of the Vaccines/Immunology Unit of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) - the Nigerian federal government Research Institute.

Dr. Agwale is West Africa's representative on HIV/AIDS for Developing countries Coordinating Committee (DCCC) at European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Programme (EDCTP), where he is also the chair of the African Scientists committee (DCCC). He represents African scientists at the partnership board and General Assemble-European Economic Interest Group (GA-EEIG) of EDCTP. Furthermore, Dr. Agwale was appointed Chairman of the Nasarawa State’s specialist hospital, Lafia. He also represents Nigeria and West Africa at the NEPAD Council. He has experience in vaccine development and large epidemiological projects management. He played a key role in the development of the Nigerian HIV vaccine plan and the creation of the Nigerian AIDS Vaccine Programme (NAVAP) both of which were adopted by Nigerian Stakeholders. In addition, he was a participant in the development of guidelines for the use of Antiretroviral in Nigeria. He is a member of the Nigerian National Vaccine Plan (NNVC). In addition, Dr. Agwale currently chairs the scientific committee of the Nigerian HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy group (NHVMAG).

Dr. Agwale has represented Nigeria and Africa at various local and international scientific fora including assignment as temporary adviser to WHO/UNAIDS. In 2004 and 2005, Dr. Agwale served on the European Commission Framework Programme 6 (FP6) grant review committee and is currently a member of the European HIV Vaccine Special Working Group. He is a recipient of several scholarships, fellowships and grants from reputable organizations around the world. Currently, he is the principal investigator of the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) funded HIV incidence study in Nigeria in preparation for a phase III clinical trial of microbicides. He has also authored and co-authored numerous noteworthy publications.

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