Motlalepula Gilbert Matsabisa

Academic Standing and University Roles

Professor Matsabisa possesses a distinguished academic career rooted in pharmacology. He directs the prominent African Medicines Innovations and Technologies Development (AMITD) Platform at UFS, demonstrating leadership in advancing African medicines. Additionally, he holds the position of Guest Professor at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicines (BUCM), highlighting his international academic connections. Furthermore, Professor Matsabisa is an active member of the University of the Free State Senate, contributing to the university’s governance.

Regulatory Expertise and Policy Leadership

Professor Matsabisa plays a crucial role in shaping health product regulation in South Africa and beyond. He is a current member of the Complementary Medicines Committee (CMC) of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Significantly, SAHPRA appointed him to chair an expert group advising on the establishment of a regulatory and registration framework for African Traditional Medicines proprietary commercial products. His policy influence extends to his membership on the Ministerial Advisory Committee on cannabis. On an international level, Professor Motlalepula Gilbert Matsabisa chairs the WHO Afro Regional Expert Committee on Traditional Medicines for COVID-19, showcasing his leadership in regional health responses.

Professional Affiliations and Contributions

His engagement within the scientific community is extensive. Professor Matsabisa serves as the deputy President of the South African Society for Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, contributing to the advancement of the discipline nationally. Moreover, he is a member of the Plant Based Medicines Task Force for the Medical Therapies Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), applying his expertise to neurological conditions. These affiliations underscore his commitment to both basic and clinical pharmacology.

Research, Innovation, and Intellectual Property by Motlalepula Gilbert Matsabisa

Academically prolific, Professor Matsabisa has supervised numerous students to successful graduation, including over 40 honours, over 30 MSc, and over 10 PhD students. He currently mentors 18 postdoctoral students, fostering the next generation of pharmacology researchers through his teaching and training. His research focuses significantly on natural products, resulting in many scientific publications. Notably, he holds a PCT and patent related to 7 novel compounds isolated from a medicinal plant demonstrating antimalarial action. Professor Motlalepula Gilbert Matsabisa has also successfully filed and obtained trademark protection for his research work and product prototypes, including immune modulators, indigenous teas, and cannabis products. This demonstrates a strong commitment to translating research into tangible innovations.

Community Engagement and International Presence

Professor Matsabisa actively engages in research projects with communities across South Africa, ensuring his work connects with traditional knowledge holders and local needs. His expertise is recognized globally; he has delivered numerous scientific presentations both nationally and internationally. These presentations often address critical issues surrounding traditional medicines research, traditional knowledge, policy development, benefit-sharing arrangements, and intellectual property rights, aligning closely with the themes of the 3rd WCTCIM.

Explore Prof. Motlalepula Gilbert Matsabisa’s comprehensive work via ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2921-8882