Clinical Research
Introduction to CRD
At Aurum, clinical research is more than a process—it’s our commitment to transforming public health through innovation and evidence. With over 200 clinical trials and research studies completed, we operate across five strategically located Clinical Research Sites (CRS) in Klerksdorp, Rustenburg, Tembisa, Pretoria (South Africa), and Fundacao Aurum (Mozambique, Maputo).
From large-scale public health studies to highly regulated trials for new medications and vaccines, our CRSs bring together diverse populations, world-class facilities, and decades of scientific and operational expertise. Each site is uniquely positioned to support breakthrough research addressing the most pressing health challenges facing African communities.
Featured News on Clinical Research
Clinical Trials Reveal Promising Alternatives to High-Toxicity Tuberculosis Drug
Research shows two novel antibiotics could spare patients from severe side effects. Johannesburg, 01.07.2025 – Two inte...
Read MoreOver 18 Years of Pioneering Research
We’ve led more than 224 clinical trials and research studies over the past 18 years, advancing scientific breakthroughs across key public health priorities:
HIV Prevention: Including vaccines, oral PrEP, topical agents, and long-acting injectable PrEP
Tuberculosis Innovation: From TB treatment and host-directed therapies to TB vaccines and preventive therapies
COVID-19 Response: Exploring vaccine efficacy, monoclonal antibodies, and treatment interventions
Health Systems & Behavior: Enhancing impact through diagnostic research and socio-behavioural studies
Transforming Lives Through Research Participation
Our Clinical Research Division has proudly enrolled over 67,500 participants across groundbreaking trials and studies—driving innovation and improving health outcomes across South Africa.
More than 23 500 Thibela TB (enrollment at mine shafts)
More than 25 500 Sisonke vaccine roll-out to Healthcare Workers (enrollment at Department of Health Vaccination Sites)
More than 18 513 enrolled in remaining trials and research studies (enrollment at 6 Clinical Research Sites)
What Sets Aurum Apart
Our multi-disciplinary sites are equipped to support a diverse portfolio of clinical trials across disease areas and study types
Our collective scientific, operational, and management expertise enables us to lead with insight, agility, and impact.
Aurum delivers large-scale, complex trials—both network and investigator-led—through high-functioning resources, quality assurance systems, and streamlined processes.
We focus on these programmatic areas:
COVID-19
HIV Treatment & PreP
TB Treatment
HIV Vaccine
TB Treatment
TB Vaccine
2024 AT A GLANCE
276
Employees
6
Clinical Research Sites
1
Overnight / PK facility
3
Routine Laboratories
1
Basic Research Lab which includes a BSL-3 mycobacteriology lab
1
Biorepository
4
Registered Pharmacies
33
Funders
62
Clinical Trials Conducted in 2022
5673
Participants
26
Vaccine Trials
28
Treatment & Prevention Trials
11
Aurum Led Trials
34
CRD Publications:
Aurum Clinical Research Sites
Pretoria CRS
Acquired in 2020 to conduct Pharma & PK Trials.
78 trials > 3 400 enrolled.
78 trials > 3 400 enrolled.
Fundação Aurum
Established in 2019 to aid the roll out of 3HP & Covid-19 self-testing and prepare for TPT Phase 3 and 4 trials.
1 trials > 22 enrolled.
1 trials > 22 enrolled.
Tembisa CRS
Established in 2008 to conduct TB Treatment Trials Consists of 2 CRS’s (C1&2, C3&4)
C1&2: 42 Studies/Trials > 3 600 enrolled.
C3&4: 12 Studies/Trials > 2 400 enrolled.
C1&2: 42 Studies/Trials > 3 600 enrolled.
C3&4: 12 Studies/Trials > 2 400 enrolled.
Rustenburg CRS
Established in 2008 to conduct HIV Epidemiology Studies to prepare for HIV Vaccine Trials.
47 trials > 1700 enrolled.
47 trials > 1700 enrolled.
Klerksdorp CRS
Established in 2005 to conduct HIV Vaccine Trials.
46 trials > 17 800 enrolled.
46 trials > 17 800 enrolled.
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We have seen the impact of clinical trials saving millions of lives in the COVID-19 pandemic and we are now even more committed to continue our search for safer, more effective tools to address the continuing TB and HIV pandemics!
Our Team
Tanya Nielson
Managing Director: Clinical Research Division
Dr Craig Innes
Clinical Director: Clinical Research Division
Sharfuddin Sayed
Operations Director: Clinical Research Division
Dr William Brumskine
Clinical Research Site Leader: Rustenburg
Dr Kathy Mngadi
Clinical Research Site Leader: Tembisa
Dr Vaneshree Govender
Clinical Research Site Leader: Pretoria
Dr Pearl Selepe
Clinical Research Site Leader: Klerksdorp
Trevor Beattie
Technical Director: CRD Projects
Lindive Nhlangulela
Head of Department: Laboratory
John Mdluli
Head of Department: Community
Yajna Duki
Head of Department - Quality Assurance
Nisha Naidoo
Head of Department - Pharmacy
CRD Latest Publications
Latest Highlights
Read the latest news about our work in clinical research
