Prof Otto Müller, who was honoured by the South African Academy for Science & Arts for the second time last night (September 27), has been contracted by UK-based Oxford Bioscience in partnership with the RedPlane group to assist with biotechnology research.

Müller, who lives in George with business interests in the Southern and Western Cape, received the FARMOVS prize for pharmacology and the development of medical science in recognition of his contribution to pharmacology and medicine development at a function held at the University of Stellenbosch. Prof Otto Müller, who was honoured by the South African Academy for Science & Arts for the second time last night (September 27), has been contracted by UK-based Oxford Bioscience in partnership with the RedPlane group to assist with biotechnology research.

Müller, who lives in George with business interests in the Southern and Western Cape, received the FARMOVS prize for pharmacology and the development of medical science in recognition of his contribution to pharmacology and medicine development at a function held at the University of Stellenbosch.

“I accept this award with humility and gratitude towards my Creator and all my co-workers who have assisted me over the past four decades,” said Prof Müller. “Ours is a story of opportunities, challenges, support and work satisfaction in the service of our community and our country.”

Prof Müller said it was his ideal to conclude his career with research into the biotechnology field. “To improve the well-being of patients through drug-free and non-invasive solutions lies close to my heart.”

“We are ecstatic to have Prof Müller on board to assist with research into our Elexoma range of products,” said RedPlane CEO Raphaël Devantier. “His knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to our research and the development of additional products.”

Oxford Bioscience developed the Elexoma range of products in conjunction with RedPlane Switzerland and its South African subsidiary, RedPlane SA.

Their different rehabilitation and wellness solutions are used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries, as well as depression, anxiety, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorders. The Bulls used it during their victorious Super 14 campaign this year for enhanced mental focus and the rehabilitation of injuries.

Having made his mark in the medical field, Prof Müller now acts as a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry and contract research institutions to help with the development of medicine and medical-related research programmes.

Prof Müller was born and bred in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape and qualified as a medical doctor at the University of Pretoria.

He was the first professor of pharmacology in the Faculty of Medical Science at the University of the Free State, a position he held for 26 years. He was also head of  pharmacological contract research at the institution for 22 years.

Award final

In 1996, the South African Academy for Science & Arts awarded Prof Müller with an honorary medal for his contribution to clinical pharmacology in South Africa.