Phase 2 of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) was launched on Wednesday, by a partnership between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Innovation Cluster.
An API is the core component that directly treats, cures, or prevents a disease.
The CSIR said the launch marks an important milestone in South Africa’s efforts to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, by developing innovative technologies and accelerating the commercialisation of manufacturing processes for small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Moreover, the initiative is expected to enhance medicine security and advance industrial development through innovation.
Phetolo Phatsibi, Media Relations Practitioner at the CSIR, said in an alert, the initiative dates back to 2020.
Ultimately, the initiative seeks to reduce reliance on imports, strengthen regional value chains and position South Africa as a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub on the African continent.
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