South Africa API Innovation Cluster Phase 2 launch

South Africa has taken a significant step towards strengthening its pharmaceutical manufacturing sector with the launch of Phase 2 of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Innovation Cluster.

Hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and supported by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), this initiative aims to reduce reliance on imported medicines and bolster local healthcare resilience.

The API Innovation Cluster focuses on advancing locally developed small-molecule API technologies from laboratory research to commercial-scale production. This effort is a direct response to supply-chain vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and aligns with South Africa’s strategic goal of localising pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Key objectives of Phase 2

1. National innovation network: CSIR will coordinate a network of universities, including Limpopo, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Stellenbosch, to support proof-of-concept and translational development projects.
2. Advanced facilities: Utilising CSIR’s FuturePHARMA and CPT Pharma API+ laboratories for piloting and scaling up production.
3. Skills development: Driving workforce training to build industrial capacity.
4. Commercialisation: Preparing business cases for commercial-scale manufacturing to attract investment and partnerships.

Strategic importance

The API Innovation Cluster is a cornerstone of South Africa’s efforts to secure its medicine supply chain and position itself as a regional pharmaceutical hub. By leveraging recognised process technologies and facilitating technology transfer to local industries, the initiative aims to create jobs, enhance healthcare resilience, and build a sustainable domestic API manufacturing value chain.

GMP piloting and in-licensing

Looking ahead, Phase 3 (2029 to 2031) will focus on GMP piloting and in-licensing for commercial production. This phase will further embed South Africa’s pharmaceutical capabilities and strengthen its position as a leader in the regional healthcare sector.

Source: www.csir.co.za