At
Austell Pharmaceuticals, we believe that success means more when it’s shared. That’s why, through the Austell Al Noor Foundation, we channel our profits into impactful initiatives that uplift communities, support healthcare, and advance education across South Africa.
One such initiative is our partnership with the
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at Wits University, a leading institution renowned for its innovation in pharmaceutical science and patient-centred healthcare. Under the leadership of Professor Yahya E. Choonara, the department is not only shaping the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists, but also contributing to cutting-edge research through the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP).
Through the Austell Al Noor Foundation, Austell recently donated advanced laboratory equipment to support this world-class department—and the results have been immediate and inspiring. “The new lab equipment donated will have a significant impact on our research and educational activities,” says Professor Choonara. “Our students now have hands-on access to industrial-grade equipment, giving them a real-world understanding of pharmaceutical technology and better preparing them for careers in industry and academia.”
The donation includes equipment like a lyophiliser (freeze dryer), used in the preparation of heat-sensitive pharmaceutical products like vaccines, antibiotics, and biopharmaceuticals. According to Professor Choonara, this has already opened exciting new doors, “The lyophiliser allows us to train students on preserving the structural integrity of formulations and improving product stability. It’s also crucial for our research into natural products and biologics. Tools like this enhance our global competitiveness and enrich our students’ educational journey.”
The equipment doesn't just boost research capabilities—it transforms how future pharmacists are trained. With better tools, students can generate high-quality data, dive into more advanced projects, and gain skills aligned with industry demands.
Professor Choonara believes that partnerships like this one are critical for moving science forward. “When organisations like the Austell Al Noor Foundation invest in academia, it strengthens the entire innovation pipeline. Access to cutting-edge tools allows for new discoveries, attracts top talent, and ultimately improves healthcare outcomes,” explains Professor Choonara. Donations like this also help build much-needed capacity in South African pharmaceutical education, providing students with the rare opportunity to train on equipment usually only available in private sector environments. “These are scarce skills in our country,” says Professor Choonara. “By investing in students now, we’re building the future workforce for an essential sector.”
With this new equipment in place, the Wits Pharmacy team is set to explore novel therapeutic projects and expand its impact across the continent. From patient-centric drug delivery to groundbreaking clinical research, the tools provided are enabling a deeper, more meaningful pursuit of innovation. As Professor Choonara puts it, “This donation empowers us to push boundaries, drive innovation, and prepare students not just for jobs—but for leadership in pharmaceutical science.”
At Austell, we are proud to see how the Austell Al Noor Foundation is making a difference, not just in labs and lecture halls—but in lives, futures, and the very fabric of our healthcare ecosystem. Austell supply more than just medicine — we create opportunities through meaningful donations that uplift communities.
