Employing institution: University of Zimbabwe- Collaborative Clinical Research Centre
Host institution: African Institute for Biomedical Science (AiBST)
Project title:
Identification and characterization of biomarkers associated with cardiomyopathy in Zimbabwe
Dr Vitaris trained as a molecular scientist at the Cape Heart Institute, University of Cape Town. His Ph.D. work inspired by Professor Karen Sliwa sought to identify diagnostic and prognostic protein biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases in pregnancy. Presently a Chief Scientist at the University of Zimbabwe Department of Internal Medicine.
AREF Fellowship research project
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is endemic in Africa where it accounts for 183- 660 per 100 000 of patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). DCM patients’ health, would significantly improve with better management and treatment options prior to the need for a heart transplant. DCM care will require early identification and diagnosis of high-risk individuals and targeted therapy delivered at the right time.
During this fellowship Dr Kodogo aim to identify potential proteomic markers for risk assessment, diagnosis and prognosis of DCM patients in Zimbabwe. This study will provide insights to DCM pathophysiology, phenotyping, and monitoring, which will pave way for DCM precision medicine in an African setting. Vitaris will be supervised by Professor Collen Masimirembwa. AiBST specializes in bioanalytical techniques and has a team of skilled bioinformaticians for omics data analysis. This fellowship will help him establish an independent scientific identity in biomarker discovery and cardiovascular research.
Quote
“Biomarkers are important tools in clinical practice, a corner stone of precision medicine and integral to drug development.”
Dr Vitaris expects to start his fellowship in July 2024