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This MRT looks at the use of biotechnology applications in addressing diseases that predominate in developing countries, such as tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and various cancers and genetic diseases. Such applications can include studying the reaction of the body's immune system to infections, the mechanisms of progression of the disease as well as the genetic basis of diseases. These research efforts will go a long way in supporting the global search for breakthroughs in the understanding of these diseases and could possibly also lead to the identification of diagnostic tools and specific drugs and vaccines.
The MRT aims to ensure that the media has a full understanding of both the science and other issues related to these biotechnology applications.
The Biotechnology in Medical Research took place on the 15 October 2008, and was held at the MRC Auditorium in Parow, Cape Town.
After a plenary introductory session, the presentations were held in parallel sessions to enable attendees to select topics of interest. Each presentation was followed by discussion time. Furthermore, one-on-one interviews were scheduled with presenters for more in depth questions.
Prof Michèle Ramsay: "Is Africa ready for Genetic Predisposition Testing?"
Michèle Ramsay is head of the Molecular Genetics Laboratory
in the Division of Human Genetics at the National Health
Laboratory Service. The laboratory provides a diagnostic
service for the molecular investigation of a large range of
single gene disorders. Her research focuses on understanding
the role of genetic and epigenetic factors that impact on
diseases in South African populations. She will be discussing
genetic testing and gene profiling for diagnosis and risk
assessment of predisposition to disease. She will discuss
issues around "personalized medicine" in the South African
context.
Prof Michael Pepper: "Health Biotech in South Africa"
Michael Pepper is a Professor in the Unit for Advanced
Studies and an Extraordinary Professor in the Department of
Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of
Pretoria. He is a member of the National Biotechnology
Advisory Committee to the Minister of Science and Technology.
He has worked extensively in the field of molecular cell
biology and has successfully used basic scientific research to
address clinically-orientated problems. He will present an
overview of major health problems within South Africa, and
discuss the status and potential of biotechnology in
addressing these problems.
Prof Rob Warren: "Biotechnology and the diagnosis of TB"
Rob Warren, Associate Professor in the Department of
Medical Biochemistry at the University of Stellenbosch, has
registered five patents which hold promise for the development
of novel vaccines, new diagnostics and genetic manipulation of M. tuberculosis (the bacterium that causes TB). His
work covers the areas of drug resistance, bacterial evolution
and study on molecular levels of how genetic and environmental
factors influence disease. He will discuss biotechnology in
addressing drug resistance in TB, and also show how
biotechnology is developing in other areas of TB research.
Dr Lynn Katsoulis: "The Role of Clinical Trials in Biotechnology in Medical Research"
Dr Katsoulis is the Chairperson of the South African
Clinical Research Association and currently manages the South
African office of Cato Research, an international Contract
Research Organisation. She has worked on scientific aspects of
developing many drugs, has been the regulatory contact for
numerous projects in South Africa, and has project managed
many clinical trials. She will be discussing the role and
regulations of clinical trials in biotechnology applications
in medical research.
Dr Thomas Scriba: "Developing new TB vaccines in Cape Town"
Dr Scriba conducts clinical research on the development and
testing of new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines at the South Africa
Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative. Their research is aimed at
understanding immunity to TB and how this immunity can be
manipulated through vaccination to be more effective against
TB. He is co-investigator on the clinical human trials of a
new TB vaccine and is responsible for the scientific oversight
of these trials. He will be discussing this new
genetically-engineered vaccine and new developments in
understanding immunity to TB.
Dr Adrienne Edkins: "Cancer Stem Cells: The Hidden Villain. New Approach to Cancer Therapy"
Adrienne Edkins is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Chaperone
Research Laboratory, at Rhodes University headed by Professor
Gregory Blatch, where she conducts research on novel
anti-cancer agents. Their work falls within the broad field of
biomedical biotechnology, with a focus on the role of
chaperones (a specific type of protein) during the
establishment, survival and metastasis of tumours. She will
present on biotechnology in cancer research, and the recent
discoveries that have changed the way of thinking in
approaching the treatment of cancer.
If you would like to receive more information, please contact info@pub.ac.za.
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