Page 14 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

value chain for progressing plant-based medicines developed by Mr. Magugu Nkabinde and his family,
towards clinical testing. One of these is the SAMRC’s with further scientific R&D being conducted by a team
Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Africa Health
(BRIP), which conducts research and development Research Institute. This product has laboratory-
on therapeutics from indigenous resources. This demonstrated anti-HIV and immunomodulatory
includes the ATM platform, established to facilitate properties and has led to a patent filing. A second
the screening and development of traditional project is on a supplement for HIV/AIDS patients,
medicines. This platform has also initiated the developed by indigenous knowledge holder Mr. David
South African Natural Product Consortium (SANPC), Molefi, with further scientific R&D being conducted
which, in collaboration with partners from historically by a professor at Tshwane University of Technology,
disadvantaged institutions such as Sefako Makgatho focusing on safety and pharmaceutical validation. For
Health Sciences University, University of Limpopo, these projects, BRIP/SAMRC is supporting some of
Tshwane University of Technology and University the in vitro and toxicity screening, and the SAMRC’s
of Zululand, is advancing efforts to standardize Primate Unit and Delft Animal Centre is supporting
methodologies for ATMs, ensuring scientific the in vivo work.
robustness and consistency in their evaluation and
development. In addition to other national efforts in this regard,
notably at the University of the Free State, these
Other noteworthy projects that have continued projects, co-funded by the SAMRC and TIA, are
in 2024 include Product Nkabinde, a traditional serving to chart a product development pathway for
medicine showing promise for HIV management, the scientific validation and SAHPRA-approved first

IKS/PLANT-BASED MEDICINES VALUE CHAIN

IKS Holders/
Traditional Healers Toxicity

Extract Proof Preclinical Process Clinical Grade
Ideation
development of Concept Testing Development Manufacture
Activity Analytics

Depiction of the IKS/plant-based medicines value chain and ecosystem in South Africa

12 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25