APIs are the biologically active components used to make finished pharmaceutical products such as tablets and capsules. South Africa's heavy reliance on API imports is one of the factors behind the high cost of health care locally. The country currently spends approximately R15 billion a year on imported APIs, and the cluster is expected to help reduce these costs significantly.
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The API Technology Innovation Cluster is an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation, the Technology Innovation Agency (an entity of the Department), and North-West University, and will also involve other universities and industry players.
