Official Launch of iThemba Pharmaceuticals

On the 19th of March 2009, iThemba Pharmaceuticals was officially launched by the South African Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, at the Hilton in Sandton, Johannesburg. Minister Mangena had some kind words for iThemba Parmaceuticals, “iThemba will generate foreign income and form a key medicinal chemistry-based research hub that is central to the needs of the National Biotechnology Strategy as well as to create employment, especially for local medical scientists, leading to improved quality of life for all South Africans.”

Many of the Scientific advisory board were present, which included Prof. Dennis Liotta, Prof. Eric Carreira and Prof. James Bull as well as the board members which included Dr. Blessed Okole, CEO of LIFElab, Dr. Joe Molete, CEO of BioPAD and Dr Alberto Bottega. Dr Blessed Okole said, “The funding of iThemba has been a successful international partnership and is a good example of skills and technology transfer from the United States and Europe to South Africa. We were motivated by iThemba’s potential not only to create jobs in this country but also being part of a local biopharmaceutical concern that will bring hope for better health and quality of life for the people of South Africa while generating income.”

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