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San Bushmen's Ancient Plant Becomes Obesity Pill
23 Sep
Summary
- San people to share royalties from hoodia-based obesity drug.
- The plant, known as Xhoba or hoodia, curbs appetite and thirst.
- US drug giant Pfizer is developing hoodia into a weight-loss pill.
For centuries, the San people of the Kalahari have relied on the hoodia plant, known locally as Xhoba, as a vital source of sustenance, curbing hunger and thirst during long journeys. This ancient knowledge is now poised to bring significant economic change to the San community.
In recent years, the hoodia plant, scientifically identified for its appetite-suppressant qualities, has attracted global attention. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa patented hoodia as P57, and licensed it to Phytopharm, which then licensed it to US drug giant Pfizer for development into an anti-obesity pill.
Pfizer is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into transforming hoodia into a pharmaceutical product, aiming to address obesity in Western populations. Clinical trials suggested P57 could reduce daily calorie intake significantly, positioning it for potential success in the multi-billion pound pharmaceutical market.
Crucially, a landmark accord has been finalized between tribal leaders and the CSIR, ensuring the San people will receive a share of the royalties from the drug's development. This agreement promises job opportunities, scholarships, and the right to cultivate the plant, offering a potential lifeline to the estimated 100,000 San scattered across southern Africa.
The San elders decided to distribute the earnings equally among all San communities, emphasizing the shared heritage of their traditional knowledge. Funds will be used for education, training, and land acquisition, aiming to uplift a community that has faced significant hardship and marginalization.
