# The University of the Witwatersrand’s Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit and the Synthetic Organic Chemistry Unit have received one of six international innovation awards under the GIZ SAVax programme. The award is for pioneering a biodegradable, Africa-sourced ingredient that could transform the future of vaccine production. Their project, Local large-scale production of ionisable lipids, has secured a seven-million-rand grant to develop vaccine-enabling compounds derived from cashew nutshell liquid. Professor Patrick Arbuthnot says they are excited to develop a sustainable, locally sourced alternative.
Wits scientists win prestigious international award