Kenyan scientist Professor George Njoroge has won a Sh446 million grant for advancing early detection and treatment of oesophageal cancer in Kenya.
Prof Njoroge, a co-lead researcher at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) is internationally recognised for discovering breakthrough drugs and becoming the first African to secure more than 100 United States patents.
Njoroge, a renowned organic chemist and drug discovery expert, is widely celebrated in global scientific circles for helping discover Victrelis, the first hepatitis C virus protease inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2011.
He also spearheaded the discovery of the anti-cancer drug Sarasar, later approved as Zokinvy for treatment of progeria, a rare genetic ageing disorder.
His work earned him induction into the American Chemical Society Hall of Fame as a Hero of Chemistry in 2012.
Over the years, he has published more than 130 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and secured over 100 US patents, becoming the first African scientist to achieve the milestone.
Despite his international success, Njoroge says his focus remains on solving health challenges affecting Africans.
The latest award-winning project seeks to improve survival rates for oesophageal cancer patients through early screening, clinician training and community outreach programmes.