The African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST) is a leading institution advancing pharmacogenomics (PGx) and precision medicine in Africa, with a strong focus on generating clinically actionable, African-relevant genomic data. As a founding and active member of the African Pharmacogenomics Network, AiBST contributes to continent-wide efforts to understand genetic determinants of drug response and to make training resources widely accessible.
To promote clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics, AiBST leads the programme iPROTECTA (Implementation of Pharmacogenetics Testing for Effective Care and Treatment in Africa). Through this initiative, clinical PGx studies have been conducted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Nigeria. These include pharmacogenetics of opioids (codeine and tramadol) for pain management in sickle cell disease in Nigeria, tacrolimus use in organ transplant patients in Kenya, and pharmacogenomics of gastrointestinal cancers treatment with 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine in Zimbabwe. These efforts demonstrate the commitment of AiBST to addressing priority health challenges through precision medicine approaches tailored to African populations.
Impact on Healthcare and Implementation
The work of AiBST is increasingly contributing to clinical awareness and early adoption of PGx-informed prescribing in Africa. Emerging evidence from oncology, transplant medicine, and pain management is supporting improved dosing strategies and reduction of adverse drug reactions. However, implementation remains variable across countries due to key challenges including limited testing infrastructure, cost constraints, lack of clinical guidelines, and low awareness among healthcare providers.
Despite these barriers, AiBST’s integrated model, which is to link research, training, and clinical engagement, has enabled gradual translation into practice. The programme is also contributing to ongoing discussions on policy and regulatory frameworks needed to support routine implementation of PGx in African healthcare systems.
Ecosystem Development and Capacity Building
In parallel, AiBST has built a strong and sustainable pharmacogenomics research and practice ecosystem by fostering partnerships, strengthening capacity, and driving knowledge generation across the continent. The success of the iPROTECTA initiative has catalysed the expansion of the AiBST-led Consortium for Genomics and Therapeutics in Africa, which now includes 10 member countries representing Africa’s geographic and genomic diversity.
The institute has also invested significantly in training the next generation of African scientists through its MSc in Genomics and Precision Medicine programme and PhD training in collaboration with partner universities. This has resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications covering at least seven drug-gene pairs across diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis and sickle cell disease.
“This programme is generating African-specific pharmacogenomics evidence that is directly relevant to patient care.“
Dr. Patience Kuona, Principal Investigator, Sickle Hemoglobinopathy Research in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Pharmacogenomics is beginning to influence prescribing practices in our clinical setting.“
Professor Ntokozo Ndlovu, Chairperson, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe.
Future Directions
The future of the AiBST PGx programme lies in scaling clinical implementation across Africa. Key priorities include development of African-specific PGx guidelines, integration into national health policies, expansion of affordable testing platforms, and strengthening regulatory frameworks. Funding is expected to come from a combination of international partnerships, public-private collaborations, and emerging African-led initiatives. This programme aligns fully with the Action Plan jointly developed by many African organisations and ICPerMed in the context of the EU-Africa PerMed (Building Links Between Europe and Africa in Personalised Medicine) Coordinating and Support Action (part of the ICPerMed Family), demonstrating the potential of transcontinental collaborations for implementation of Personalised Medicine in diverse contexts.
While challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure, funding sustainability and policy adoption, the potential impact is substantial, including improved treatment outcomes, reduced adverse drug reactions, and more equitable global access to precision medicine.
Additional Information and key Publications
- EU-Africa PerMed (Building Links Between Europe and Africa in Personalised Medicine): https://www.euafrica-permed.eu/
- EU-Africa PerMed Action Plan: https://www.euafrica-permed.eu/action-plan/
- Nyangwara VA, Mazhindu T, Chikwambi Z, et al. Cardiotoxicity and pharmacogenetics of doxorubicin in black Zimbabwean breast cancer patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2024;90(8):1782-1789. doi:10.1111/bcp.15659
- Afolabi BL, Mazhindu T, Zedias C, Borok M, Ndlovu N, Masimirembwa C, On Behalf Of Consortium For Genomics And Therapeutics In Africa Cgta. Pharmacogenetics and Adverse Events in the Use of Fluoropyrimidine in a Cohort of Cancer Patients on Standard of Care Treatment in Zimbabwe. J Pers Med. 2023 Mar 28;13(4):588. doi: 10.3390/jpm13040588. PMID: 37108974; PMCID: PMC10141018.
- Chiwambutsa SM, Ayeni O, Kapungu N, Kanji C, Thelingwani R, Chen WC, Mokone DH, O’Neil DS, Neugut AI, Jacobson JS, Ruff P, Cubasch H, Joffe M, Masimirembwa C. Effects of Genetic Polymorphisms of Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and co-Medications on Tamoxifen Metabolism in Black South African Women with Breast Cancer. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2023 Jul;114(1):127-136. doi: 10.1002/cpt.2904. Epub 2023 Apr 28. PMID: 37042388; PMCID: PMC11016593.
Disclaimer
Examples shown have been reviewed and selected by members of ICPerMed. However, ICPerMed does not take over any responsibility for the work performed or the data shown.