In a major breakthrough a drug developed by local scientists in Fiji has won regulatory approval for sale in New Zealand and the Netherlands.
Fiji TV reports that the scientists are employed by Douglas Pharmaceuticals which has a drug manufacturing plant and research facilities in Nadi.
The Operations Manager of Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Andrew Van Brugel says the scientists spent six years, and almost one million US dollars to develop Rasberidone which is used for treating mental illnesses particualry schizophrenia.
Mr Van Brugel says they are very proud of their achievement because this kind of work is usually the domain of first world countries
Douglas Pharmaceuticals is now working on the development of other drugs for the world market.
