Page 174 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

Project Africa GRADIENT (Genomic Barros (GSK representative). The event was attended
Research Approach for Diversity and by funder representatives from Spain, the funded
Optimising Therapeutics) PIs and students from various provinces across
SA. The workshop strengthened the GRADIENT
Project Africa GRADIENT is an innovative initiative
funded by GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd (GSK) and research community by fostering collaboration
Novartis SA (Pty) Ltd and administered by the and enhancing knowledge sharing. A key highlight
SAMRC’s GIPD unit. The programme focuses on was the announcement of a new initiative to be
understanding how genetic diversity in African launched in 2026.
populations influences variability in drug exposure,
efficacy, and safety – particularly for TB and malaria Following the success of the 3rd GRADIENT
treatments. Given the continued burden of these workshop, the funders and the SAMRC have
diseases across the continent, identifying genetic established the scope and guidelines to launch
factors that affect treatment response is essential to the final initiative for GRADIENT. This new initiative
advancing more effective, personalised therapies. seeks to maximize the impact of the data and
insights generated by the GRADIENT programme
The programme, launched in 2022 with fellowships thus far, and to ensure a lasting legacy of innovative
and investigator led grants across Africa, is research that will directly benefit patients in Africa.
scheduled to conclude in December 2026, with six
of the nine projects already closed out. Through Healthy Life Trajectories
this programme, the students gained essential Initiative (HeLTI)
skills and experience in this cutting-edge field The Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI) is
of research, contributing significantly to research a long-term collaborative programme between
capacity development in personalised medicine.
national research funding agencies in Canada,
In April 2025, the SAMRC convened the 3rd China, India, South Africa and the WHO that
GRADIENT Workshop and hosted an Administrative involves linked international intervention cohorts
Steering Committee meeting to review programme implementing and testing approaches to prevent
outcomes and agree on priorities for the final overweight and obesity in children and risk
GRADIENT initiative. The meeting was co-chaired factors for NCDs and improve early childhood
by Ms. Candice Roux (GIPD Programme Manager), development. The goal of HeLTI is to generate
Mr. Javier Gamo (GSK representative) and Mr. David evidence that will inform national policy and

Third GRADIENT workshop held at the SAMRC Cape Town on 4 April 2025 with representatives from SAMRC,
GSK, funded PIs and students.

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