Africaʼs First Integrated Drug Discovery and Development Platform.
Africaʼs first integrated drug discovery and development center. H3D was founded at UCT in April 2010 and focuses on translational medicine, which involves early-stage medicine discovery in the lab through to the treatment of patients in clinical settings. WIPO Magazine recently sat down with Chibale to learn more about H3D, and the role intellectual property plays in its groundbreaking work.
WM: What is the potential of drug discovery in Africa?
KC: Africa is arguably the most genetically diverse continent.
Everybody came from Africa and went somewhere else. That means diseases are not African problems or African diseases, they are human diseases, human problems. So, drug discovery in Africa has huge potential to contribute to humanity and to create local jobs.
And how is H3D affecting health innovation in Africa?
H3D is having an impact at various levels, particularly by creating drug discovery infrastructure and platforms capable of contributing to the global pipeline of innovative products that could be further developed. In other words, we have strengthened our capacity to translate basic science knowledge into potential life-saving medicines. And we are bridging the gap between the lab and the patient.
You focused initially on malaria. Why?
Malaria was an opportunity for us to build the infrastructure required for translational medicine. At the end of the day, beyond understanding the biology of the human malaria parasite, the drug discovery principles are the same for malaria or cancer. For example, regardless of the disease, among other things, the common goal is to understand how the human body will handle the drug candidate. The malaria project was an opportunity to work with the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and to subsequently engage with new partners, such as Merck and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Once we developed the infrastructure we needed for that project, we began adding other diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), and antimicrobial resistance. In 2022, we had an opportunity to work with Johnson & Johnson as one of the companyʼs three satellite centers for global health discovery. In sum, malaria was an anchor program that enabled us to acquire the skills and experience we wanted to develop, and which we then transferred to other diseases.
How important are such partnerships to H3Dʼs work, and to
developing a robust health innovation ecosystem in Africa?
Partnerships are extremely important, even for innovative pharmaceutical companies with financial muscle. Indeed, some of the product portfolios they offer include drug candidates licensed in from third parties. This enables them to de-risk the early stages of drug development. For H3D, partnerships were important from the start, for three reasons. First, to tackle infrastructure challenges; second, to build the technology platforms we needed; and third, to access skilled people. Partnerships are also important to secure funding. When you have a project with global support, you attract partners who share the same goals, funding grows, and you gain access to a network of centers of excellence. Partnerships can bring to the table what you donʼt have, because everyone is interested in the projectʼs success. When there is mutual interest, you can make a huge difference.
What about the importance of building a local procurement
support system?
One of the main barriers to scientific innovation in Africa has been a lack of infrastructure in the broad sense. This includes a local procurement support system with functioning laboratories, access to the spare parts you need when something breaks down, the ability to access reagents and chemicals readily and rapidly, and so on.
Of course, from a business perspective, we need scale that justifies the business. At present, there are too few players, so business opportunities are limited. Thatʼs why weʼre working to expand the community to create the demand that will foster the businesses we need to supply the chemicals and reagents required for research and development, for example.
What is the role of intellectual property in all this?
When thereʼs an unmet medical need, you have to innovate, and IP incentivizes innovation. IP is an enabler and underpins robust innovation ecosystems. Cash-strapped universities can use IP to generate new sources of income from their research, through university spinouts, for example. IP is also a magnet for investment. People want to invest in a country where there is respect for rules and laws, including IP.
Do you still need IP in Africa for infectious diseases, where
commercial returns are low?
Absolutely. Because IP is also a responsibility, even for infectious diseases where commercial returns are perceived to be low. Without IP you would have a free-for-all. When it comes to health equity, itʼs important to remember that the person who owns the IP can decide whether to share it voluntarily or not.When you hold IP rights in a medicine, you can control its use to some extent. Thatʼs why, in Africa, we need to be owning IP. When we do, and we find an appropriate partner to take the IP forward, we get a return. I would rather own 1% of one billion than 99.99% of zero.
IP is also a responsibility, even for infectious diseases where commercial returns are perceived to be low.
What is the current focus of H3Dʼs work?
In terms of drug discovery, weʼre focusing on action studies to identify biological targets and to better understand the mechanism of resistance of these targeted organisms to drugs. These organisms are very clever. Our job is to outsmart them.
Do you still see the need for new approaches?
Yes. At a scientific level, Iʼm an advocate for Afro-centric drug discovery. You need to find a target to hit – an enzyme or a protein – which may respond differently in different populations for genetic reasons.
Genetic differences in the expression and activity of drug-metabolizing
enzymes can lead to variable responses to therapeutics. For example, in people of African descent, due to genetic mutations, enzymes responsible for metabolizing the antiretroviral drug Efavirenz work more slowly than in other populations and this can result in toxicity, even death, due to drug overdose if dosages arenʼt adjusted appropriately. So, drug development needs to move from a one-size-fits-all focus toward a population-centric approach.
We really need to invest in understanding the genetics of the African
population with respect to biological drug targets we go after and the
enzymes responsible for metabolizing specific drugs. Also, we need to address the funding gap in translational medicine, which
many investors find too risky. This will require policy changes to encourage investors to see drug development as a continuum that requires investment at each stage of the value chain. This would create opportunities to share both risks and benefits, and ultimately will benefit everyone.
Read the full interview online and learn more about Chibaleʼs recommendations for developing a robust health innovation system in Africa.
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Revolutionizing Healthcare: Cloud Computing Services to Health Sector by Esya Technologies in Canada
Advantages of Cloud Computing in Healthcare
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way data is stored and accessed across various industries, and healthcare is no exception. The advantages of cloud computing in healthcare are manifold, offering a range of benefits for both healthcare providers and patients.
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Lastly, cloud computing offers enhanced data analytics capabilities. The vast amounts of data generated in the healthcare industry can be analyzed and leveraged to drive insights and improve decision-making. With cloud-based analytics tools, healthcare organizations can uncover patterns, trends, and correlations that can guide personalized treatment plans, preventive care strategies, and population health management.
Esya Technologies recognizes these advantages and has tailored their cloud computing services to health sector specifically to meet the unique needs of the healthcare industry. By leveraging the power of cloud technology, Esya is empowering healthcare organizations to overcome the challenges of data storage, accessibility, and security.
Cloud Computing Statistics in the Healthcare Industry
The adoption of cloud computing in the healthcare industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years. The following statistics highlight the impact and potential of cloud computing in revolutionizing healthcare:
According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global healthcare cloud computing market is projected to reach $51.9 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 14.3% from 2020 to 2027.
A survey conducted by HIMSS Analytics revealed that 83% of healthcare organizations are currently using cloud services, with an additional 9% planning to implement cloud solutions in the near future.
The same survey found that the top three reasons healthcare organizations adopt cloud computing are improved data storage and disaster recovery capabilities, cost savings, and increased scalability.
Cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) systems have seen a significant rise in adoption, with 67% of healthcare organizations using cloud-based EHR solutions, as reported by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.
These statistics demonstrate the growing recognition of cloud computing as a transformative technology in the healthcare industry. Esya Technologies stands at the forefront of this revolution, providing cutting-edge cloud computing services to health sector that address the unique needs and challenges faced by healthcare organizations.
Esya Technologies: An Overview
Esya Technologies is a renowned IT solutions provider based in Canada, specializing in delivering innovative and tailored solutions to various industries, including healthcare. With a team of highly skilled professionals and a deep understanding of industry challenges, Esya Technologies has established itself as a trusted partner for healthcare organizations seeking to leverage technology to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
Esya Technologies' expertise lies in cloud computing services, offering scalable and secure solutions that meet the stringent regulatory and compliance requirements of the healthcare industry. Their comprehensive suite of services includes data storage, disaster recovery, data analytics, and collaboration tools, all powered by the latest advancements in cloud technology.
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How Esya Technologies is Revolutionizing Healthcare with Cloud Computing Services
Esya Technologies is revolutionizing the healthcare industry in Canada by harnessing the power of cloud computing to elevate patient care and drive remarkable advancements in the field. Through their cutting-edge cloud computing services, Esya is empowering healthcare organizations to overcome the traditional limitations of data storage, accessibility, and security.
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Esya Technologies also recognizes the importance of data analytics in driving insights and improving patient outcomes. By leveraging their cloud-based analytics capabilities, healthcare organizations can harness the power of big data to gain actionable insights, identify trends, and personalize patient care. These data-driven insights empower healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, optimize treatment plans, and improve overall healthcare quality.
Overall, Esya Technologies' cloud computing services are revolutionizing healthcare by providing healthcare organizations with the tools they need to store, access, and analyze patient data securely and efficiently. By leveraging the power of cloud technology, Esya is driving remarkable advancements in patient care, streamlining operations, and improving overall healthcare outcomes.
Benefits of Using Esya Technologies' Cloud Computing Services in Healthcare
The adoption of Esya Technologies' cloud computing services in the healthcare sector offers a range of benefits for healthcare organizations, healthcare professionals, and patients alike. Some of the key benefits include:
Enhanced data security and compliance: Esya Technologies' cloud computing services prioritize data security and compliance with regulatory standards. With robust security measures in place, healthcare organizations can ensure the privacy and integrity of patient data while complying with industry regulations such as HIPAA.
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Seamless integration and interoperability: Esya Technologies' cloud computing services facilitate seamless integration with existing healthcare systems, including electronic health record (EHR) systems, imaging systems, and other clinical applications. This interoperability allows healthcare organizations to consolidate data from multiple sources, leading to better care coordination and improved patient outcomes.
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Advanced analytics and insights: Esya Technologies' cloud computing services enable healthcare organizations to leverage advanced analytics tools to gain actionable insights from their data. These insights can drive evidence-based decision-making, improve treatment plans, and optimize patient outcomes.
The benefits of using Esya Technologies' cloud computing services in healthcare are vast and impactful. By embracing cloud technology, healthcare organizations can elevate the quality of patient care, streamline operations, and drive remarkable advancements in the field.
Future Trends in Cloud Computing for the Healthcare Sector
As technology continues to advance, the future of cloud computing in the healthcare sector holds tremendous potential. Several key trends are shaping the future of cloud computing in healthcare, including:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): The integration of AI and ML technologies with cloud computing enables the automation of repetitive tasks, predictive analytics, and personalized patient care. AI-driven insights can revolutionize diagnostics, treatment plans, and population health management.
Edge Computing: Edge computing brings the power of cloud computing closer to the point of data generation, reducing latency and enabling real-time analysis and decision-making. In healthcare, edge computing can enhance telemedicine, remote monitoring, and emergency response systems.
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): The IoMT refers to the network of interconnected medical devices and sensors that collect and transmit patient data. Cloud computing provides the infrastructure and analytics capabilities to leverage IoMT data for personalized care, remote monitoring, and preventive healthcare.
Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology offers enhanced security and privacy for healthcare data, allowing for secure and tamper-proof storage and sharing of patient records. Cloud-based blockchain solutions can revolutionize data exchange, interoperability, and patient consent management.
These future trends highlight the evolving landscape of cloud computing in healthcare and the potential for further advancements in patient care, data security, and operational efficiency. Esya Technologies remains at the forefront of these trends, continuously innovating and delivering cutting-edge cloud solutions to drive the transformation of healthcare.
Choosing the Right Cloud Computing Service Provider for Healthcare Organizations
Selecting the right cloud computing service provider is crucial for healthcare organizations aiming to leverage cloud technology effectively. When choosing a cloud computing service provider, healthcare organizations should consider the following factors:
Security and Compliance: Ensure that the service provider has robust security measures in place to protect patient data and comply with industry regulations such as HIPAA. Look for certifications and compliance frameworks that demonstrate their commitment to data security and privacy.
Scalability and Reliability: The cloud computing service should offer scalable infrastructure that can accommodate the organization's growth and changing needs. Additionally, ensure that the service provider guarantees high availability and reliable performance to minimize downtime and disruptions.
Data Integration and Interoperability: Look for a service provider that supports seamless integration with existing healthcare systems, such as EHR systems and clinical applications. Interoperability is essential for efficient data exchange and care coordination.
Data Analytics Capabilities: Consider the service provider's data analytics tools and capabilities. Advanced analytics can unlock valuable insights from healthcare data, driving evidence-based decision-making and improved patient outcomes.
Service and Support: Evaluate the service provider's customer support offerings, including response times, technical assistance, and training resources. A responsive and knowledgeable support team is essential for a smooth implementation and ongoing maintenance of cloud computing services.
By carefully evaluating these factors and selecting a trusted and experienced cloud computing service provider like Esya Technologies, healthcare organizations can ensure a seamless transition to cloud technology and harness its full potential to revolutionize patient care.
Conclusion: The Impact of Cloud Computing on the Healthcare Industry and the Role of Esya Technologies
Cloud computing has emerged as a game-changer in the healthcare industry, revolutionizing the way patient data is stored, accessed, and analyzed. The advantages of cloud computing in healthcare are manifold, offering increased accessibility to patient data, improved interoperability, enhanced data analytics capabilities, and cost savings.
Esya Technologies, a leading IT solutions provider in Canada, is at the forefront of this revolution, spearheading the adoption of cloud computing services in the healthcare sector. Through their cutting-edge cloud solutions, Esya Technologies is empowering healthcare organizations to overcome data storage, accessibility, and security challenges, ultimately driving remarkable advancements in patient care.
By partnering with Esya Technologies, healthcare organizations gain access to secure and compliant cloud infrastructure, enhanced collaboration tools, and advanced data analytics capabilities. Esya's tailored solutions enable healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, streamline workflows, and deliver better patient care.
As cloud computing continues to evolve, future trends such as AI, edge computing, IoMT, and blockchain technology hold immense potential for further advancements in healthcare. Esya Technologies remains committed to staying ahead of these trends, continuously innovating and delivering tailored cloud solutions that meet the unique needs of healthcare organizations.
In conclusion, Esya Technologies' cloud computing services are revolutionizing the healthcare industry in Canada, elevating patient care, streamlining operations, and driving remarkable advancements in the field. By harnessing the power of cloud technology, Esya Technologies is paving the way for a future where healthcare organizations can leverage data, collaboration, and analytics to deliver the best possible care to patients. Join Esya Technologies as they lead the way in revolutionizing healthcare through cloud computing services.
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