July 12,2024

NuMeRI's Groundbreaking Facility Revolutionizes Medical Research and Patient Care in South Africa

The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) represents a significant shift in patient care and highlights South Africa's (SA) advanced scientific capabilities. "We provide a comprehensive medical imaging and theragnostics facility dedicated to drug development and clinical research," says NuMeRI CEO Prof. Mike Sathekge, a leading nuclear medicine physician. "This state-of-the-art health research facility is the first of its kind in SA and unmatched worldwide."

NuMeRI's unique approach integrates preclinical imaging, radiopharmaceutical production, translational research, radiobiology, medical physics, clinical molecular imaging, and theragnostics under one roof. Theragnostics combines imaging technologies with targeted therapies to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer, while also monitoring patient outcomes.

This integration creates a unique ecosystem that spans from "laboratory bench to patient bedside," as Prof. Sathekge describes, adding that "the work done in this facility is improving patient outcomes in South Africa."

NuMeRI's innovative prostate cancer treatment using targeted alpha therapy has received international acclaim and extended the lives of patients from diverse backgrounds. "This research was published earlier this year in The Lancet, one of the world's leading medical journals," Sathekge notes.

NuMeRI's establishment also marks a success in collaboration, uniting national partners like NECSA/NTP, iThemba LABS, the University of Pretoria, and Steve Biko Academic Hospital. This partnership harnesses diverse strengths to benefit patients, students, researchers, and the broader economy.

The facility, constructed on the roof of Steve Biko Academic Hospital, required advanced engineering and precise project execution. "This involved a continuous pour of specially designed high-density concrete from 80 cement trucks," Prof. Sathekge recalls. Despite challenges in securing funding and overcoming stigmas associated with nuclear medicine, NuMeRI has persevered.

Prof. Sathekge is optimistic about the field's potential. "The field of Nuclear Medicine and Radiopharmacy is advancing globally, and NuMeRI is ideally positioned during this industry upswing."

Receiving the NSTF-South32 Award for Innovation through a Corporate Organisation for its contribution to medical research and patient care is more than just recognition. "It gives the public a glimpse of work that could change their lives within the next decade," Sathekge explains.

NuMeRI will continue to push the boundaries of nuclear medicine research and application. This award serves as a reminder of SA's growing role in global medical innovation and its potential to develop affordable, cutting-edge healthcare solutions for its population and beyond.