UKZN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emory University, a leading institution in drug development in the United States.
The collaboration aims to address viral diseases caused by priority pathogens in Africa through initiatives such as student exchanges, staff research visits, and joint drug development efforts.
Speaking at a function to mark the signing of the MOU, Dr Nhlanhla Msomi UKZN’s Director of Innovation said the relationship between the two institutions was 25 years old, culminating in the establishment of iThemba BioPharma (which looked at the development of antiretroviral drugs). Commenting on the importance of innovation in serving communities through products that make an impact, he said this collaboration aims to develop innovative strategies specifically for the Global South, disrupting traditional partnerships between the Global North and South.
Professor George Painter CEO of Drug Innovation Ventures at Emory (DRIVE), and the Director of the Emory Institute for Drug Development highlighted how the pandemic of infectious diseases has changed over the course of history and listed the multiple outbreaks that have occurred over the past century including the Spanish Flu, HIV and more recently the Coronavirus.
Painter who delivered a lecture titled, Developing an Antiviral Drug in a Pandemic, highlighted the megatrends associated with the frequent emergence of viral diseases with pandemic potential which include climate change, increasing urbanisation, and increased international trade and travel, as well as overpopulation. He shared insights on Emory University’s molnupiravir drug, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (the regulatory authority in the US) to treat COVID-19, and listed some of the challenges confronted, namely, ensuring the drug’s efficacy and safety, adhering to regulations, and conducting toxicology reports and clinical trials, etc.
At the round table discussion Professor Neil Koorbanally, Dean of Research in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science underscored the significance of the initiative in uniting key stakeholders to develop future-proof drugs for Africa.
Professor Musa Mabandla Dean and Head of the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences reviewed three policies that are relevant to the partnership, namely, Goal Three of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that speaks to good health and well-being; the Millennium Development Goals that highlight the need to eradicate inequality in and amongst countries; and South Africa’s National Development Plan which addresses climate change and its disproportionate effects on Africa, giving rise to new and old tropical diseases, as well as increasing human capital in education and health leading to research and development. Professor Anil Chuturgoon Dean of Research in the College of Health Sciences described the collaboration as a catalyst for UKZN’s transition from academic papers to innovation, including the possibility of a key performance indicator (KPI) based on innovation in the future.
The MOU was signed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Busi Ncama and Professor George Painter.
Ncama expressed excitement about the partnership and thanked Emory University, Painter and Msomi for their leadership in the collaborative process. She said, ‘As UKZN we are very excited about these developments which are in line with our vision of being the Premier University of African Scholarship. We are excited to be looking at innovation and drug development that will be relevant for local pathogens, and being part of job creation.’
Painter said, ‘These collaborations are critical for global health. Together, we’ll be able to make an impact locally and globally. People will take notice of what we are doing, they will be watching, which is why I feel so passionately about us working closely together … I’m excited for this partnership and I hope you are too.’
In closing, Ms Normah Zondo, Executive Director of Corporate Relations, expressed enthusiasm for such partnerships and anticipated further developments in the project, with the possibility of involving additional valuable parties.
Click here to watch the MOU signing.
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
