Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) registered its first-ever patent in 2024, a significant milestone that underscores its commitment to research and innovation in the health sciences sector. The patented drug, Raloxifene Hydrochloride Hydrate Solvate, has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer, reinforcing SMU’s position as a leader in health sciences education and research.
Emmanuel Kiyonga
This groundbreaking patent is the culmination of the extraordinary journey of Emmanuel Kiyonga, a Master’s student in the School of Pharmacy. Kiyonga’s story of perseverance is a testament to the university’s ethos of overcoming adversity through education and innovation. Originally from Kampala, Uganda, he faced numerous challenges during his educational journey, including financial difficulties that saw him expelled from various schools. Undeterred, he moved to South Africa in 2009 and enrolled at SMU, where he pursued his Bachelor of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health and later transitioned to a Bachelor of Pharmacy.
Under the mentorship of esteemed faculty members, Kiyonga dedicated himself to research focused on drug formulation, culminating in discovering a novel compound with enhanced solubility and dissolution properties. This innovative research earned him accolades, including the Young Scientist Award at the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences of South Africa and recognition during SMU’s Research Week.
The journey from research to patent was supported by SMU’s Technology Transfer Office, which facilitated funding from the Technology and Innovation Agency (TIA) to develop Kiyonga’s groundbreaking work further. The patent signifies a major achievement for Kiyonga and highlights SMU’s robust infrastructure for nurturing innovative research that can lead to real-world applications.
Kiyonga attributes his success to his challenging background: “My greatest motivators to pursue education were the extreme poverty I grew up in and the limited opportunities I faced. Education is a weapon; when used correctly, it can change the entire scope of a generation.” His achievements exemplify the resilience and determination encouraged within SMU’s academic community, inspiring current and future students to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
In response to this significant institutional achievement, SMU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Research, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, expresses pride in Kiyonga’s innovation. “This patent promises to revolutionise clinical management for post-menopausal conditions, reflecting our dedication to advancing health sciences,” she states, acknowledging the collaborative effort of the university’s Innovation Evaluation Committee and industry partners.
The achievement reinforces SMU’s mission to foster a culture of research and innovation that directly impacts healthcare outcomes. Professor Mapaseka Seheri, Director of Research and Innovation, notes the commercialisation potential of Kiyonga’s work, stating: “This should serve as an encouragement to other students that with dedication and discipline, the sky is the limit.”
Kiyonga’s journey resonates with many students at SMU, serving as an inspirational narrative of triumph against the odds. His success is a reflection of SMU’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and pushing the boundaries of health sciences research.
As the first patent registered by the university, this achievement not only solidifies SMU’s position as a premier health sciences institution but also opens doors for future innovations that have the potential to transform healthcare in South Africa and beyond. With a strong focus on research and development, SMU is poised to remain at the forefront of health sciences education, paving the way for the next generation of healthcare leaders.
