What We Do
We seek to partner with Sub-Saharan African nations, international agencies, and private sector organizations to build a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing facility and a secure distribution network, with the end goal of improving patients’ access to affordable high-quality medicines. This endeavor will be a stepping stone to building the technical capabilities and human capacity required for sustained access to locally-manufactured medicines. We also aim to forge strategic partnerships with local governments and academic institutions to develop targeted education and training programs that will facilitate the growth of a knowledgeable and talented workforce.
Our Purpose
Many have asked me questions such as: “Why retire from a tenured life-time academic appointment if you are going to continue working?” “If you’re going to work after retiring, why not continue here at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, a place you love?” It is important that I answer these questions. After serving at UNC for nearly 24 years, I felt it was time for me to focus entirely on giving back to society and helping those who are less fortunate. So, I retired — or, as I prefer to call it, “stepped away” — from the University to focus on Med Aditus, which will be the culmination of my professional and life experiences and pursuits:
As an academic and industry scientist, I have learned to seek and discover solutions for unanswered questions and unmet needs.
With my experience in drug discovery and development, I have learned how medicines prolong lives and improve quality of life.
As an educator, I have learned how teaching and training young minds has a transformative and exponential impact on society.
As an entrepreneur, I have learned to be unafraid of any obstacle in the pursuit of my goals.
In my leadership roles, I have learned to lead by serving others, setting a compelling vision, finding talented people and empowering them to maximize their potential and impact, and by building strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors.
While Med Aditus’ mission will be multifaceted, an important first step will be to set up manufacturing of much-needed medicines using state-of-the-art technologies, and to implement educational programs for training the local workforce. In the coming months and years, Med Aditus will form strategic partnerships with the governments of one or more countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue its goals. To realize our vision, we will partner with governments and organizations within the private sector, attract the very best talent, secure financial resources through grants, philanthropic giving and impact investments, and build an organization that will serve the region and world through innovative local and global initiatives. Med Aditus looks forward to the future we can build with the help and support of a vast network of partners and collaborators, focused on a world with better access to medicine for all.
Dhiren R. Thakker, Ph.D.
Founder, Med Aditus