Nyasse Barthelemy

Professor Nyasse was a distinguished scholar and researcher in Organic Chemistry, with particular expertise in Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products Chemistry. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to scientific research, innovation, and the development of health solutions derived from Africa’s rich biodiversity. His scholarly work resulted in numerous publications in peer-reviewed international journals.

He served as Head of the Promotion of Academic Research at the Ministry of Higher Education of Cameroon and as Head of the Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry in the Faculty of Science at the University of Yaoundé. His research focused on the development of selective inhibitors targeting glycolytic pathways in the Trypanosomatidae family of parasites responsible for diseases such as sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. Through both synthetic chemistry and the study of medicinal plants native to Cameroon, he developed novel selective inhibitors with well-characterized mechanisms of action.

In addition to his responsibilities in teaching, research, and academic leadership, Professor Nyasse played an active role in numerous national and international scientific organizations. He served as Scientific Adviser to the International Foundation for Science (IFS), the World Health Organization’s Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO/TDR), and the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI). He was also the focal point for the Global Institute for BioExploration (GIBEX), Lead Trainer of Trainers for the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) programme, and a consultant to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI).

Professor Nyasse further contributed to global health and research policy as a member of the advisory committees of the Poverty-Related Diseases College and Global Health Systems initiatives. He was also a member of the American Chemical Society and the European Peptide Society, reflecting his strong engagement with the international scientific community.

A prolific author, Professor Nyasse produced numerous publications in synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, natural products research, and intellectual property. His research findings contributed directly to the development of locally produced medicines, including Hepasor and Camzin, and supported efforts to protect valuable medicinal plant species that might otherwise have been lost. Through his scientific excellence, innovation, and commitment to advancing healthcare and sustainable development, he left a lasting legacy in chemistry, drug discovery, and public health in Africa and beyond.