Wits Launches Groundbreaking Mass Spectrometry and Drug Monitoring Initiative
- FHS Communications
Launch of the Mass Spectrometry and Drug Monitoring Initiative
On the 25th of August, the Department of Chemical Pathology in the School of Pathology at the Faculty of Health Sciences launched the Wits Mass Spectrometry Drug Monitoring Initiative, marking a milestone for South African medical research and clinical care. The initiative aims to harness advanced mass spectrometry technologies to improve drug monitoring, pharmacokinetics, and ultimately, patient outcomes.
A Step Forward for Precision Medicine
Speaking at the launch, Dr Siyabonga Khoza, Head of the Department of Chemical Pathology, emphasized the significance of this achievement:
“This is a special day for the department and the school at large. By launching the mass spectrometry and therapeutic drug monitoring initiative, we are building capacity within the university, showcasing our research, and positioning ourselves as pioneers in this field.”
Mass spectrometry enables scientists to measure pharmaceutical compounds with high precision, supporting both clinical care and large-scale research studies. The technology is especially critical for pharmacokinetics, understanding how drugs are metabolised in different populations.
Dr Sean Currin, Co-director of the initiative, highlighted its clinical importance:
“Mass spectrometry and drug monitoring is an under-researched and underserved area, particularly in Africa. With our expertise and equipment, we can make a real difference by conducting research that directly improves patient care and population health.”
Addressing Research Gaps in Africa
Africa faces unique challenges in drug monitoring and pharmacogenomics. Many global drug trials and dosing guidelines are based on European or North American populations, overlooking the genetic diversity of African patients. Research shows that Africans exhibit significant variability in drug metabolism due to both genetic and environmental factors.
This lack of population-specific data has led to treatment mismatches and higher risks of adverse drug reactions. The initiative seeks to fill this gap by generating African-specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenomic data, with a focus on conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases.
As one of the few centres on the continent with such advanced mass spectrometry capacity, Wits is positioning itself as a leader in this field. Beyond research, the project also opens doors for regulatory-approved clinical trials and collaborations with pharmaceutical partners.
Building Collaboration and Training Future Leaders
The launch event underscored the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and healthcare. Speakers stressed that the initiative is not only about cutting-edge science but also about training the next generation of African researchers and clinicians in interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches.
“This initiative is about much more than machines and measurements,” noted one faculty leader. “It is about translating research into practice, influencing policy, and ensuring that the benefits of advanced medical technologies reach the people who need them most.”
Looking Ahead
The mass spectrometry and drug monitoring initiative will serve as a foundation for future research hubs within Wits, including digital pathology and other next-generation technologies. By combining advanced tools with a vision for patient-centred healthcare, Wits is charting a path that connects science, clinical care, and innovation for Africa and the world.
As the launch concluded, participants expressed optimism that this pioneering initiative would not only strengthen South Africa’s research capacity but also contribute to global advances in precision medicine.