Innovative Drug Discovery in Africa

Professor Kelly Chibale often compares the quest for new medicines to a fairy-tale hunt. It requires extensive time and, well, patience. “It’s not all smooth sailing,” he reflects. “Sure, there are surprises and even miracles, but you often have to kiss many frogs before finding your prince.” In this context, the “prince” symbolizes new treatments for diseases like malaria and tuberculosis.

This drive inspired Chibale to establish the Holistic Drug Discovery and Development (H3D) Centre at the University of Cape Town, where he currently serves as director. The typical landscape for drug discovery tends to dominate in North America, Europe, and Asia. However, H3D stands out as a rare facility in Africa, equipped to tackle some of the continent’s most persistent health challenges.

At 61, Chibale, originally from Zambia, sees this center as a natural extension of his chemistry passion. As a student, creating molecular structures felt like discovering a kindred spirit. He shares, laughing, how chemistry books filled with molecules feel like old friends, expressing his enthusiasm, “Each one has its own charm!”

“It’s an art and a science,” he adds, reflecting on organic chemistry. “When you find that connection, it’s hard to describe.” This passion propelled him to found H3D, which, in his words, emphasizes the notion of “drug hunting.” He believes this relentless search will soon yield fruitful results.

A Return to His Roots

After spending time in the U.K. and the U.S. for further studies and research, Chibale was struck by organic chemistry’s potential in developing intricate pharmaceuticals. He explains that a drug fundamentally begins as a molecule with a specific structure, a feat that can be replicated in a lab setting.

“It’s mesmerizing to see these beautifully constructed molecules; nothing about them is ugly,” he says, reminiscing about witnessing a vibrant drug discovery environment in wealthier nations. Thousands of researchers focus on health issues that specifically affect those populations. However, while abroad, he became aware that Africa needed similar resources. “Witnessing this gap fueled a deep desire to inspire world-class research from our own continent,” he recalls.

In 1996, after a brief interview process, Chibale accepted a position at the University of Cape Town. It felt right, a calling that transcended mere career decisions. He founded H3D in 2010, emphasizing that when something of value is created, recognition and resources will follow.

Molecular Focus and Unique Challenges

Chibale’s laboratory spans a significant portion of the chemistry building, where his team tackles the pressing issues of malaria, tuberculosis, and antibiotic resistance—diseases that plague many African communities. “These challenges are very real on our continent,” he states, illustrating the urgency behind their work.

His team’s approach involves screening vast quantities of molecules with precise robotic assistance to identify potential candidates that can inhibit pathogens effectively. “We aim for molecules that target parasites while leaving human cells unharmed,” he explains. This strategy led to a significant breakthrough about a decade ago when they developed a promising malaria drug that progressed to clinical trials in South Africa and Ethiopia—groundbreaking for an Africa-led initiative.

However, due to safety concerns unearthed in rat studies, the project was halted—a decision made out of caution after uncovering a novel killing mechanism targeting an enzyme present in both the parasite and human host.

Nurturing Homegrown Talent

Chibale is not only on a mission for medicines but also to retain talent within Africa. He remarks on a troubling trend of skilled professionals migrating to the West, a situation that nearly influenced his own decisions early on. “We need to cultivate an environment in Africa that retains and utilizes our talent effectively,” he asserts.

Currently, H3D employs over 75 individuals, including Mathew Njoroge from Kenya, who finds hope in their trajectory for future drug discovery on the continent. Njoroge’s role involves calculating proper dosages by studying drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion—especially crucial in the context of Africa’s genetic diversity that affects how different populations respond to medications.

Unlike the U.S., where organ donation practices support drug testing, such practices may face cultural resistance in Africa. Njoroge notes a lack of trust in the scientific process due to historical contexts. Consequently, the team is working with a limited number of available liver samples and using computer modeling to simulate how drugs are processed in diverse populations, navigating the complex landscape of drug development.

A Rising Global Standard

Researchers like Philip Rosenthal at UCSF have paid close attention to H3D’s development. He expresses excitement over the center’s potential as a leader in drug discovery for diseases impacting developing nations. “There’s nothing else like it in the rest of Africa,” he claims.

With global malaria cases concentrated heavily in Africa, experts emphasize the urgency of local research initiatives. Chibale echoes this sentiment, advocating for a reverse flow of knowledge—taking insights from patients back to the lab. His personal experiences as a malaria patient amplify this sentiment; he recalls how the medications he received were the result of dedicated research and clinical trials conducted elsewhere.

Now, he champions the mission to discover new medicines—not just for himself but for his communities, embodying the spirit of giving back. “We owe it to those who helped us,” he concludes, recognizing the interconnectedness of health and research.