Kenyan scholar becomes first African to be granted over 100 patents

A US-based Kenyan researcher has made history as the first African to be granted more than 100 patents by the US Patent and Trade Office.

George Njoroge, senior research fellow at Eli Lilly attained the hallmark with a new discovery of novel ‘molecules used in treating viral infections’.

Njoroge says Africa has the brain power to lead global research in communicable and non-communicable diseases. “It is ironic that our continent lags behind in drug research, yet it is endowed with the necessary raw materials,” he said.

In 2015, Chinese researcher Tu Youyou won the Nobel Prize for medicine. It was for her work in discovery of anti-malaria medicine called Artemisinin, derived from Wormwood.

The tree is widely found in Tanzania and parts of North Africa. “We have the natural resources and the scientific know-how, yet Africa is nowhere on the map of drug discovery. The remaining piece of the puzzle is to enhance our commitment to local research.”

Dr Njoroge holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. He also holds a masters degree in Chemistry from the same university and a Bachelor’s degree from Nairobi University. He was awarded honorary Doctor of Pharmacy degree by Mt Kenya University of 2014.

In addition to the more than 100 patents, Dr Njoroge has authored and co-authored over 120 scientific publications.

Saying Kenya and Africa in general lags behind in scientific research, Dr Njoroge urges Kenyan universities to ensure they develop technologically qualified graduates. “We should change the emphasis of university education and put more weight on research rather than just concentrating on informational based teaching.