Work

Addressing infectious diseases in Africa by accelerating drug discovery through data science

Year: 2025

Type: book-review

Abstract: Despite being rich in natural resources and scientific talent, Africa continues to bear a staggering infectious disease burden. Historically, health innovation on the continent has relied on international funding and has been constrained by limited infrastructure and the emigration of skilled professionals. Data science tools offer a promising alternative, typically requiring fewer costly resources than traditional empirical research, with the potential to empower African scientists to generate tangible and impactful health solutions for the continent. Rapid progress in data science is expected to transform infectious disease research; thus, it is encouraging that numerous African initiatives are already applying data science tools to tackling pressing unmet medical needs, particularly in drug discovery. These efforts include identifying novel therapeutic targets, predicting drug-like molecules and their synthesis, enhancing clinical trial success rates and preparing for future disease threats. This review examines the current landscape of data science in infectious disease drug discovery across Africa.

Source: Communications Medicine

DOI: 10.1038/s43856-025-01211-z

Authors: Gemma Turon, Jason Hlozek, Miquel Duran-Frigola, Kelly Chibale, John G. Woodland

Institutions: Ersilia Open Source Initiative, University of Cape Town, South African Medical Research Council, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Computational Drug Discovery Methods

Subfield: Computational Theory and Mathematics

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,690