Page 135 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

P E R FOR M A NC E I N FOR M A T I ON

rationale, researchers investigated the potential In partnership with the Gates Foundation and CP+
repurposing of the anticancer kinase inhibitor Associates, the Unit further established a mentorship
berzosertib for the treatment of malaria. Using programme to support mid-career scientists within
preclinical studies in humanised mouse models both the Unit and the Grand Challenges African Drug
infected with Plasmodium falciparum, alongside Discovery Accelerator (GC ADDA) network. Through
advanced physiologically based pharmacokinetic this initiative, participants received mentorship
modelling, the Unit demonstrated that predicted from experienced industry professionals in areas
efficacious doses for malaria treatment were including scientific leadership, communication,
significantly lower than the clinically established career development, research responsibility, and
maximum tolerated doses used in cancer therapy. professional growth.
This work provided strong evidence supporting
the feasibility of repurposing berzosertib as a novel The Unit has additionally strengthened continental
antimalarial candidate. collaboration by hosting visiting researchers from
institutions including the University of Limpopo, the
Building Capacity Through University of Venda, the University of Zambia, the

Training, Mentorship, and Support University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Research
Institute, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of
The Unit has also played a vital role in enhancing Science and Technology (KNUST).
scientific capacity across Africa. It has organised
and hosted workshops on preclinical drug
discovery and the use of artificial intelligence (AI)
in drug discovery in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya,
and Ghana. These workshops attracted hundreds
of participants from across the continent and
helped strengthen regional expertise in advanced
biomedical research methodologies.

Dr. Mandy Mason, Dr. Zaahida Sheik-Ismail, “AI2050 AI/ML Tools for Drug Discovery”
Ferdinand Ndubi received their 3-Day workshop co-hosted by H3D-
“Best Poster Award”. Foundation with Ersilia in Nairobi, Kenya.

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