What we do
Pharmaceutical technologies
We develop scalable, cost-effective processes for the local production of high-quality small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals. By leveraging agile and sustainable technologies – such as continuous flow chemistry – we support and strengthen the competitiveness of the local chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Pharmaceutical technologies
We develop scalable, cost-effective processes for the local production of high-quality small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals. By leveraging agile and sustainable technologies – such as continuous flow chemistry – we support and strengthen the competitiveness of the local chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Pharmaceutical technologies
We develop scalable, cost-effective processes for the local production of high-quality small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals. By leveraging agile and sustainable technologies – such as continuous flow chemistry – we support and strengthen the competitiveness of the local chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Pharmaceutical technologies
We develop scalable, cost-effective processes for the local production of high-quality small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals. By leveraging agile and sustainable technologies – such as continuous flow chemistry – we support and strengthen the competitiveness of the local chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Contact information:
Highlights
API Innovation Cluster
The DSTI/TIA/CSIR Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Innovation Cluster (APIIC) drives the technology development and commercialisation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) manufacturing in South Africa, by integrating modern manufacturing technologies, such as continuous flow chemistry and biocatalysis, in partnership across academia and industry. The APIIC is building the capability to produce essential medicines locally and to develop the scarce skills the sector needs. Read more
We can make pain relief drugs more affordable
South African researchers have successfully used a new technology to produce Celecoxib, the active ingredient in a common anti-inflammatory pain drug that is currently only available to private sector patients. The production process for this active ingredient was recently scaled up at the CSIR’s new FuturePharma facility in Pretoria, using an emerging technology called continuous flow chemistry. This builds on foundational research conducted by the University of Pretoria. Read more
New infrastructure for health and related industries
The CSIR has established a state-of-the-art facility to support South Africa’s health and related industries. Funded by National Treasury through the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the FuturePHARMA manufacturing facility enables the production of small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients using modern manufacturing technologies. This facility will also support process engineering, digital integration and the development of small and medium enterprises within the pharmaceutical sector.
Africa’s first open-access hub for advanced active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing
The CSIR has established Africa’s first open-access active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing hub that uses continuous flow technology. This is a major milestone in the continent’s efforts to localise pharmaceutical production and strengthen health sovereignty. Watch.
Our capabilities
Our FuturePHARMA (small molecules) facility is designed to provide local pharmaceutical companies and small-to-medium enterprises with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for developing and producing high-quality active pharmaceutical ingredients, the essential chemical components used in medicines. The research team provides technical support in the development of hybrid batch-flow-biocatalytic processes for the production of active pharmaceutcial ingredients and fine chemicals.
Our facilities
