The use of animals in the biomedical research industry has a lengthy history, dating back to early Greek writings. However, in the 19th century the moral landscape changed. The growing discussions around animal experimentation saw to many activists for animal rights speaking out and influencing policy to protect animals from undergoing intense and painful experiments.
Dr Thabang Mokgethi-Morule , founder and managing director of Bind Biotech a tenant company at The Innovation Hub Biopark@gauteng, has been extensively involved in infectious disease research and holds a PhD in Immunology from Stratchclyde University in the UK. Over the years she has used antibodies, the proteins produced by the immune system in response to an infection, widely in her work. Challenges in accessibility and high cost of this critical research raw material led her to explore unconventional however effective way of extracting antibodies using chicken eggs.
Traditionally antibodies are extracted from rabbits, mice, rats, horses and even dogs. The process of extracting antibodies from these animals sometimes requires extensive bleeding of the animals which results in death.
Bind Biotech produces innovative products for the diagnostic and animal health markets using the more animal friendly model of using chicken eggs instead of animal blood. This approach is geared towards reducing and refining the use of animals in obtaining high value biomedical material.
Dr Mokgethi-Morule’s passion for using science to develop innovative solutions to local challenges was the inspiration behind establishing Bind Biotech in 2016.
“Access to certain biomedical products remains a significant challenge in developing countries and Africa in particular as we have experienced during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic., Antibodies are used in a wide range of applications, from making diagnostic assays and kits for diseases to making animal feed. What Bind Biotech aims to do is to make cost effective immunological reagents and products readily available in the African region and to be part of efforts to working towards self-sufficiency in biomedical supplies as well as boost local innovation and the bioeconomy” – Dr Thabang Mokgethi – Morule.
Alternatives to animal experimentation and tests help reduce the number of animals required for research. However, the reality is that it does not eliminate the need for animal testing completely. Bind Biotech’s approach however is making significant strides in minimizing the use of animals while simultaneously offering new ways of maximizing antibody production and related novel chicken antibody-based products.
For more information on Bind Biotech contact Dr Thabang Mokegti-Morule : thabang.mokgethi@googlemail.com
