Vaccines and biotherapeutics

What we do

Vaccines and biotherapeutics

Vaccines and biotherapeutics

We develop new vaccine candidates, biologics and diagnostic tools, including reagents for innovative rapid, on-site testing kits. From early-stage research to clinical-stage investigational products, we support regional health systems and aim to position South Africa as a self-sufficient developer and producer of these health products. 

Vaccines and biotherapeutics

Vaccines and biotherapeutics

We develop new vaccine candidates, biologics and diagnostic tools, including reagents for innovative rapid, on-site testing kits. From early-stage research to clinical-stage investigational products, we support regional health systems and aim to position South Africa as a self-sufficient developer and producer of these health products. 

Vaccines and biotherapeutics

Vaccines and biotherapeutics

We develop new vaccine candidates, biologics and diagnostic tools, including reagents for innovative rapid, on-site testing kits. From early-stage research to clinical-stage investigational products, we support regional health systems and aim to position South Africa as a self-sufficient developer and producer of these health products. 

Vaccines and biotherapeutics

Vaccines and biotherapeutics

We develop new vaccine candidates, biologics and diagnostic tools, including reagents for innovative rapid, on-site testing kits. From early-stage research to clinical-stage investigational products, we support regional health systems and aim to position South Africa as a self-sufficient developer and producer of these health products. 

Contact information:

Dr Tsepo Tsekoa
Research Group Leader: Biomanufacturing Technology
@email

Dr Duduetsang Saku
Business Development Manager
@email

Highlights

Man pointing at item

Rapid tests to screen food crops for destructive viral infections

The CSIR, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council, is developing new point-of-care virus diagnostic kits to help tomato, potato and banana farmers in South Africa detect outbreaks before they cause major losses. The biotechnology uses recombinant systems to cost-effectively express viral proteins and antibodies. Read more.

Local pharma manufacturing gets a boost with CSIR facility

Local pharma manufacturing gets a boost with CSIR facility

The CSIR is advancing Africa’s health resilience through its cutting-edge FuturePHARMA Investigational Vaccines and Biologics Facility, strengthening pandemic preparedness and self-sufficiency in biopharmaceutical production. The facility will accelerate the development and local manufacturing of high-value biological medicines, including vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. Watch.

Capabilities

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Vaccine, biologics and diagnostic tool development

We develop innovative vaccine candidates, biologics and diagnostic tools, including reagents for rapid, on-site testing solutions. With expertise spanning the entire development pipeline – from early-stage discovery to clinical-stage investigational products – we deliver solutions that strengthen regional health systems and address pressing public health challenges. Our goal is to position South Africa as a self-sufficient developer and manufacturer of high-quality vaccines, biologics and diagnostics, reducing reliance on imports and improving timely access to essential health products across the continent.

Our facilities
 

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Integrated R&D and clinical-grade manufacturing infrastructure

Our capabilities are underpinned by a facility designed to be compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice for the development and production of high-quality vaccines, biologics and diagnostic reagents. The facility features clean rooms for aseptic manufacturing, a walk-in plant growth chamber for controlled cultivation of plant-based expression systems and dedicated purification suites equipped with advanced chromatography and filtration systems. Complementing these are bioanalytical laboratories with state-of-the-art instrumentation for rigorous quality control, characterisation and validation of products. This integrated infrastructure enables seamless transition from research and development to clinical-grade manufacturing, ensuring products meet the highest regulatory and safety standards.