On April 10, 2026, the Chris Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Cape Town (UCT) announced the receipt of a multi-million-rand international research grant. This significant funding, amounting to R13 million from the Leducq Foundation, is aimed at supporting the development of a synthetic-leaflet surgically implantable heart valve.
The initiative is particularly focused on addressing the needs of young patients suffering from rheumatic heart valve disease, a condition that has been a critical health issue in South Africa. Emeritus Professor Peter Zilla, a key figure in the project, emphasized the importance of this grant, stating, “The commitment of one of the world’s most respected foundations signals continued confidence of the US research community in South Africa.”
This grant comes at a time when UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences has faced significant financial challenges, losing approximately 40% of its grant income due to the withdrawal of US federal funding. The new funding from the Leducq Foundation is seen as a vital lifeline that will not only support the current project but also enable the expansion of research efforts.
Professor Zilla further noted, “The support of the Leducq Foundation now enables the expansion of this project to surgically implanted valves – recognising its academic and societal importance in settings where limited commercial incentives have historically constrained innovation.” This highlights the project’s potential impact on improving healthcare solutions in regions with pressing medical needs.
The project aims to establish key technical and translational milestones during a pilot feasibility phase. It will facilitate fundamental research, design optimisation, and preclinical validation within a university setting, thereby enhancing the academic initiative rooted in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Strait Access Technologies, which has a team of 60 engineers and scientists, is also involved in this endeavor, contributing to the overall goal of improving heart valve technology. The total funding attracted by Strait Access Technologies has reached R500 million, showcasing the growing interest and investment in medical innovation.
The concept of the polymer-based transcatheter heart valve was developed to address a unique African clinical reality, aiming to improve the quality of life for African patients. This research not only represents a significant advancement in medical technology but also underscores the collaborative efforts between academic institutions and international foundations.
As the project progresses, it will be closely monitored for its outcomes and potential to revolutionize treatment options for young patients with rheumatic heart disease. The successful implementation of this grant could pave the way for further innovations in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
