The National Research Foundation has awarded Dr Maritha Kotze R25 000 for developing and applying a patent on a genetic test for cardiovascular disease, according to a joint press release from Genecare and Cape Biotech.
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The patent for a "DNA-based cardiovascular disease diagnostic assay" is the first test of its kind in South Africa. The test screens patients for a number of genetic risk factors for heart disease simultaneously, averting the need to conduct individual tests.
Dr Kotze, who is the Managing Director of Cape Town based laboratory Genecare Molecular Genetics, registered the patent with the help of the Medical Research Council (MRC) three years ago.
She has spent nearly 20 years researching familial hypercholestorolaemia (FH) and other genetic risk factors for heart disease. FH is a genetic condition affecting mainly Afrikaans, Indian and Jewish communities in South Africa and typically causes heart attacks in men who are in their 40s and women in their 60s.
Test screens for familial hypercholestrolaemia
The DNA test screens for FH and other genetic risk factors that can be triggered into heart disease by lifestyle risk factors if left untreated.
Genecare was established by Dr Kotze and her team in 2002. It is the only independent molecular genetics laboratory in the country and receives funding from Cape Biotech, the Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centre (BRIC) for the Western Cape - an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology. - (Health24)
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