Professor Collet Dandara
Affiliations
- Full Member, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa)
Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation Research Unit
Key Expertise Key Expertise
Genomic & Precision Medicine
Main Research Focus
The Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism Gorup, which hosts the SAMRC/UCT Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation primarily focuses on understanding the influence of inherited genetic differences on a patient's response to therapeutic drugs, specifically within African populations.
The group’s foundational work involves characterizing the genomes of African populations to identify genetic variants that are responsible for the observed differential drug responses in patients. This is crucial due to the high genetic diversity in African populations, which often differs from global populations previously studied. The core goal is to understand the genetic basis of variability in drug efficacy and toxicity (adverse drug reactions or ADRs). This knowledge can then be used to tailor doses and select appropriate medications, moving away from a "trial-by-error" approach. A significant part of his work addresses the high burden of diseases in Africa. Current research includes the pharmacogenomics of:
• Antiretroviral drugs (e.g., efavirenz, nevirapine) for HIV/AIDS.
• Drugs for cardiovascular diseases, such as anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) and statins.
• Drugs for the treatment of hypertension
• Chemotherapeutic drugs for cancers, particularly breast cancer
Their group also recognises the widespread use of traditional medicine, thus, have also started research on the pharmacogenomics of herbal compounds and their potential interaction with conventional medicines. Ultimately, the research aims to generate and translate this pharmacogenomics knowledge into clinical practice and inform public health policy for effective and safe drug use in Africa, furthering precision medicine on the continent.
Most Significant Paper Authored in 2024
Soko ND, Muyambo S, Dandara MTL, Kampira E, Blom D, Jones ESW, Rayner B, Shamley D, Sinxadi P, Dandara C. (2024)
The study by Soko et al. establishes an evidence-based framework for implementing pharmacogenomics (PGx) in Southern Africa. Analyzing data from nearly 4,000 patients in Southern Africa, the research identified the region's most prevalent diseases (e.g., hypertension, HIV) and the top 20 most prescribed drugs. Critically, it recognized the impact of polypharmacy and comorbidities on treatment safety. By linking these common drugs to their associated genetic targets, the study defined a preliminary list of 10 priority pharmacogenes (e.g., CYP2B6, SLCO1B1). This list provides a crucial starting point for developing targeted, high-impact PGx testing programs, paving the way for safer and more effective precision medicine tailored to African populations.