From April 2–4, 2025, a team of scientists from the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) visited the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, South Africa. The visit focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in bioprocessing, diagnostics, and traditional medicine.
During the visit, AHRI scientists toured several of CSIR’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its GLP-compliant laboratory, small-scale GMP-compliant production lab, and various product development laboratories. The teams engaged in discussions on scaling up health products, regulatory engagement strategies, and future research partnerships.
Presentations were delivered by key CSIR teams, including the Bioprocessing Group, Tech-Demo Group, the Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre (BIDC), and the Industrial Biocatalysts Hub (IBH). AHRI also received guided tours of CSIR’s bioprocessing technology labs, food safety and agro-processing units, and facilities dedicated to indigenous knowledge systems, diagnostics, and nano/micro-manufacturing.
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Hepatitis B diagnostic under development from AHRI, positioned as a major innovation in diagnostics. The CSIR team showcased their expertise in lateral flow assays (LFA) and point-of-care test (POCT) development, particularly for Hepatitis B (HBV) and other infectious diseases. Their facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technologies including PCR, ELISA, LAMP, biosensors, 3D printing, and offer comprehensive training programs in molecular and chemical diagnostics.
A dedicated session on traditional medicine highlighted CSIR’s GMP-compliant herbal product pipeline and benefit-sharing models. Notable products presented included the mosquito repellent Lippa Javanica and an asthma treatment derived from African Ginger. The team also shared their work in food product development—ranging from health teas to cannabis-based preparations—and their initiatives in accredited food safety training and mobile laboratory deployment in rural communities.
The visit concluded with discussions on potential collaboration in areas such as monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, herbal medicine, and diagnostic development. Opportunities for joint funding proposals—supported by CSIR. CSIR further shared their experiences from the development of the Hepatitis B diagnostics platform and progress in their GMP-compliant traditional medicine pipeline.