Page 149 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

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

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS UNDER THIS PROGRAMME

Antiviral Gene Therapy
Research Unit

UNIT DIRECTOR:
Prof. Abdullah Ely
abdullah.ely@wits.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit sources. This patented technology has the
potential to improve affordability and access to
The SAMRC/Wits Antiviral Gene Therapy Research
Unit (AGTRU), established in 2015, focuses on mRNA vaccines in resource-constrained settings.
developing nucleic acid-based therapies and To support commercialisation, a spin-out company,
vaccines to address major diseases affecting sub- Green Lipids, was recently established to take the
Saharan Africa. Initially centred on gene-silencing technology to market.
and gene-editing therapeutic strategies, the Meanwhile, AGTRU is developing vaccines based on
Unit has since expanded into the development of adenoviral vectors and C1 fungal protein subunits
advanced vaccine platforms. targeting diseases such as TB, HIV, and Rift Valley

Early research concentrated on engineering fever. Throughout all programmes, the Unit uses
adenoviral and adeno-associated viral vectors rational, DNA- and RNA sequence-informed design
to deliver gene-silencing and gene-editing tools principles to promote translational research and
to the liver for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV) innovation. Its work combines scientific excellence
infection. These methods showed strong efficacy with capacity building, technology transfer, and
and significant potential for clinical application. The collaboration with academic and industry partners.
unit has also advanced viral vector-based therapies
for inherited disorders such as Gaucher disease. Key Milestones and Achievements
The primary goals of the SAMRC/Wits Antiviral
A major achievement of AGTRU has been its Gene Therapy Research Unit (AGTRU) during the
role in establishing South Africa’s WHO/MPP- 2025/2026 period were to advance translational
supported mRNA vaccine technology transfer vaccine and gene therapy technologies, strengthen
hub. This initiative has strengthened local vaccine local manufacturing capacity, and develop
manufacturing capacity and enhanced global innovations addressing major infectious diseases
pandemic preparedness. While initially focused on affecting South Africa and other LMICs.
COVID-19, the programme has expanded to target
high-burden diseases in low- and middle-income mRNA vaccine development
countries (LMICs), including tuberculosis (TB), HIV (SARS-CoV-2, TB, HIV and HBV)
and HBV.
Following its initial work on mRNA vaccines
The Unit has further contributed to innovation in encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the Unit
lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology by developing expanded its focus to high-burden diseases such
ionisable lipids derived from bio-renewable as TB, HIV and HBV. Research activities included

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