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Augusta factory to produce key component for drugs to fight malaria

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Augusta factory to produce key component for drugs to fight malaria


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  • An Augusta biomanufacturer is building a new facility to produce a key ingredient for malaria treatments.
  • The chemical, artemisinin, is a vital component in drugs used to combat the deadly mosquito-borne illness.
  • The company, Manus, is also partnering with the University of Georgia on a biomanufacturing apprenticeship program.

An Augusta biomanufacturer will start making ammunition in the global fight against malaria.

Manus last week broke ground at its local plant on Lovers Lane on a production facility to produce artemisinin. The chemical is a key starting component in drug treatments to treat the deadly mosquito-borne illness. Malaria killed more than 600,000 people worldwide in 2024, according to the World Health Organization

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“This groundbreaking reflects a shift from dependence to capability,” said Ajikumar Parayil, Manus’ founder and CEO. “For decades, the U.S. has relied heavily on overseas supply chains for the building blocks of essential medicines. What we’re establishing in Augusta is a new model – one that restores control, strengthens resilience, and proves that advanced biomanufacturing can be deployed at scale, here at home.”

About 80% of key ingredients for essential U.S. medicines are made or sourced overseas, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

That has led companies such as Manus to pursue biomanufacturing production models capable of making medical compounds domestically, efficiently and on a large scale.

Earlier in 2026, Manus won federal funding to expand production to make shikimic acid, a key compound in the antiviral medication oseltamivir, better known by its brand name Tamiflu.

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On April 30, Manus announced a partnership with the University of Georgia to start a structured biomanufacturing apprenticeship program in Augusta. With a UGA “academic blueprint,” according to Manus, apprentices would receive extensive training on live production equipment to produce more experienced professionals for bio-industrial manufacturers nationwide.

Manus reopened Augusta’s old NutraSweet plant in 2019. In 2021, it introduced NutraSweet Natural, a zero-calorie stevia sweetener made using a smaller environmental footprint.



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Augusta, GA

Deputies investigating deadly crash on Mike Padgett Highway

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Deputies investigating deadly crash on Mike Padgett Highway


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly crash that happened on Mike Padgett Highway Saturday.

Deputies went to the 4600 block around 8:50 p.m. Officials say 70-year-old Charles Cummings of Augusta was pronounced dead at the scene at around 9:52 p.m.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene in connection with the fatal crash. An autopsy has been scheduled.

Investigators said the case remains active and ongoing.

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No additional details were released, and the sheriff’s office says updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

2nd annual Juneteenth trail ride draws crowds in Augusta

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2nd annual Juneteenth trail ride draws crowds in Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The second annual Juneteenth trail ride took place on Old Waynesboro Road in Augusta on Saturday.

The event featured trail rides with horses and ATVs, a mechanical bull contest and music.

People shopped at vendors, and there was entertainment for kids, including a petting zoo, inflatables and games.

“It’s really a privilege just to be able to have the opportunity to share my space, to share my area, and to share for an event with so much value, to give back to my community and a place to celebrate,” said Davon Wallace, chief of operations at Crimson Hills.

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Wallace said they will be hosting more events, with a haunted trail coming in October.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Multiple teens arrested in deadly shooting on Warren Road

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Multiple teens arrested in deadly shooting on Warren Road


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.

According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.

When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.

Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.

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Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.

As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.

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A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.

No further details in the investigation have been released.



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