HARARE – A team of researchers led by Professor Simon Mukwembi has made a significant breakthrough in cancer and Alzheimer’s treatment, using an advanced AI-based technology known as Rutava. This innovative system has enabled the discovery of a chemical compound that exclusively targets malignant cancer cells without affecting healthy cells, offering new hope for a cure for various types of cancer.
Speaking at a news conference in Harare, Professor Mukwembi, the lead scientist on the project, explained that the Rutava system, developed in collaboration with the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, was initially focused on melanoma and Alzheimer’s disease.
“The remarkable thing about Rutava is that it can be recalibrated for other diseases,” Mukwembi said. “Right now, we’ve worked on melanoma skin cancer, but the technology can be extended to treat other cancers. The innovation behind Rutava allows us to adapt it for multiple diseases without difficulty.”
In addition to its cancer-fighting capabilities, the research team has also used Rutava to develop a potential cure for Alzheimer’s, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting over 55 million people globally. This number is expected to nearly double by 2030, particularly in developing countries.
While melanoma is less common than other cancers, it remains a serious concern. In 2022, approximately 330,000 new cases were diagnosed worldwide, with nearly 60,000 deaths.
AI-Powered Drug Discovery
Rutava, described by Mukwembi as a “digital technology based on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mathematical formulas,” has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery. By dramatically reducing the time from discovery to development, Rutava shortens what traditionally takes several years to just a few months.
“We used Rutava to identify compounds that specifically target cancerous cells, unlike current cancer treatments, which affect both cancerous and healthy cells,” Mukwembi said. “With 10 million cancer-related deaths in both 2020 and 2023, the demand for a cancer-specific drug is immense worldwide.”
Potential to Disrupt the Pharmaceutical Industry
Professor Mukwembi, who also chairs the Harare Institute of Public Health (HIPH), emphasized Rutava’s potential to significantly disrupt the pharmaceutical industry. Historically, drug development could take up to 15 years and cost around US$3 billion for a single compound. Rutava’s AI-driven process cuts this timeline to mere months, enabling faster formulation studies and clinical trials.
“This technology is transformative for the Global South, positioning us as potential leaders in pharmaceutical innovation,” Mukwembi said. “By reducing costs and development time, Rutava opens up new opportunities for countries like ours to become pharmaceutical giants.”
Ongoing Clinical Trials and Funding Needs
Despite their confidence in Rutava’s capabilities, the team still faces the critical step of conducting clinical trials to validate their findings. “The system continuously improves with each use, refining its algorithms as it processes larger datasets of molecules,” Mukwembi explained.
While the team plans to patent their discoveries, they acknowledged that external funding is essential to complete the drug development process. Dr. Amos Marume, principal of HIPH, noted that the need for financial support would likely lead to partnerships, which could dilute their share of future profits.
“To get to a fully developed drug, substantial funding is required, particularly for clinical trials,” Marume said. “As a result, we may need to co-own the patents with investors who support these critical stages.”
The Team Behind the Breakthrough
The research project, which has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize healthcare, includes a diverse team of scientists such as Dr. Eloise van der Merwe, Prof Farai Nyabadza, Professor Yasien Sayed, Professor Betsie Jonck, Professor Eunice Mphako-Banda, Dr. Ronnie Maartens, Moster Zhangazha, Neo Padi, and Thabelo Mulenga.
With the promise of faster drug discovery and targeted treatments, Rutava is poised to make a significant impact on the global healthcare landscape, offering hope for millions affected by cancer and Alzheimer’s.
