• AI-enabled genomic and multi-omics testing now available locally in Lagos through a new sequencing laboratory
• Launch portfolio includes hereditary cancer and conditions panels, somatic oncology panels, NIPT, pharmacogenomics, and health & wellness testing
• New Direct Nigeria Precision Medicine Network (DNPMN) to drive clinical adoption, with a joint tumor board in partnership with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (USA)

Syndicate Bio has announced the launch of Direct by Syndicate Bio, a comprehensive genetic testing and precision medicine service designed to deliver actionable insights to patients, providers, and consumers across Africa.

The launch coincides with the opening of a state-of-the-art sequencing laboratory in Lagos, enabling world-class genomic and multi-omics testing powered by AI, delivered locally for Nigeria’s 200 million citizens and the global diaspora.

Raising the Bar for Precision Medicine in Africa

The Lagos facility is built to set new global standards for precision medicine on the continent. Equipped with next-generation sequencing and advanced molecular workflows, the lab supports clinical-grade testing and research while ensuring faster turnaround times for Nigerian clinicians, researchers, and patients.

Nigeria’s unparalleled ethnic diversity creates unique mutational signatures and drug-metabolism profiles. By integrating genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics with AI-driven analysis, Direct by Syndicate Bio will uncover biomarkers tailored to local populations, advancing precision medicine not only in Nigeria but also for millions worldwide who share genetic ancestry with its communities.

Launch Event and Stakeholder Engagement

The launch event, held at the new Lagos facility, brought together leading stakeholders, including representatives from the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Lakeshore Cancer Center, Redus Center for Digestive Health, Beacon Health, Healthtracka, Society for Family Health, and Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.

Guests joined Dr Abasi Ene-Obong, Syndicate Bio’s founder, and the leadership team for a guided tour and introduction to the Direct platform.

Dr Abasi Ene-Obong commented:

“Nigeria’s diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity for precision medicine. For too long, the absence of locally derived genomic data has limited how we prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. With Direct, Syndicate Bio is harnessing Nigeria’s rich genetic diversity to generate insights that improve care for Nigerians and the diaspora, while advancing inclusive precision medicine globally.”

Comprehensive Testing Portfolio

Direct by Syndicate Bio launches with a focused portfolio addressing urgent healthcare needs:

• Hereditary cancer testing: 300+ genes, including BRCA1/2 and others linked to breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and colorectal cancers
• Hereditary conditions testing: 90 inherited disorders across cardiovascular, hematological, metabolic, neurodevelopmental, ophthalmological, and immune system categories
• Health & Wellness testing: 80+ genes related to nutrition, metabolism, fitness, skin health, immunity, sleep, and lifestyle traits
• Somatic oncology panels: Comprehensive solid and myeloid tumor profiling for targeted cancer treatment decisions
• Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): Early, safe assessment of fetal health
• Pharmacogenomics: Drug selection and dosing guided by individual genetic profiles
• Population-relevant traits: Sickle cell disease, thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, and hemophilia A/B included as standard
• NGS-based testing: Next-generation sequencing ensures comprehensive results in the absence of large African genomic reference datasets

Reports are delivered in a clinician-ready format, supported by genetic counselling, with strict adherence to quality control, data protection, and privacy standards.

Driving Clinical Adoption: The Direct Nigeria Precision Medicine Network (DNPMN)

To accelerate adoption, Syndicate Bio has established the Direct Nigeria Precision Medicine Network (DNPMN) in partnership with leading institutions.

The network will convene a multidisciplinary tumor board to enable local and international case collaboration, second opinions, and knowledge exchange.

Key partners include:

• Lakeshore Cancer Center – Nigeria’s premier oncology facility, providing advanced diagnostics, treatment and comprehensive patient support services
• Redus Center for Digestive Health – leader in pancreatobiliary and digestive care, home to Nigeria’s first endoscopic ultrasound program
• Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (USA) – an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, ranked among the top U.S. cancer centers

Through DNPMN, patients and at-risk families will gain access to personalised prevention and intervention strategies, including interventional endoscopies and risk-reducing surgeries, guided by genomic insights.

Partner Perspectives

Dr Sai Yendamuri, chief strategy officer, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center:

“We are honored to enter into this collaboration, which reflects our shared commitment to making precision medicine accessible to underserved populations across Africa. By combining our expertise in genomic testing with educational initiatives in oncology and cancer awareness, we can help empower clinicians and communities with the tools they need to improve outcomes. The creation of a joint tumor board will further strengthen this partnership, fostering multidisciplinary dialogue, advancing knowledge, and ensuring that patients benefit from the latest insights in genomics, personalized treatment, and clinical research.” 

Dr Chukwumere Nwogu, Co-Founder & CEO, Lakeshore Cancer Center:

“Partnering with Syndicate Bio allows us to offer precision oncology services that reflect the unique genetic profiles of our patients. This marks a milestone in bringing data-driven cancer care to Nigeria.”

Dr Kenechukwu Chudy-Onwugaje, Founder & CEO, Redus Center for Digestive Health:

“Gastrointestinal cancer poses a growing public health challenge in Nigeria. Understanding genomic variation in digestive diseases ushers in a future where treatments are tailored to each patient’s unique biology. Direct by Syndicate Bio equips clinicians with the tools to elevate care standards nationwide.”

Through the Cancer Care Africa (CCA) initiative, AstraZeneca is partnering with NICRAT to provide every patient with an equal chance for cure through early detection, screening, and diagnostics.

This initiative is about the present and building a sustainable future for cancer care in Nigeria.

The initiative, delivered under the umbrella of Accelerating Change Together for Cancer Care, is a coalition of technology, policy, research pioneers, and NICRAT seeking to improve the patient cancer journey experience.

This collaboration focuses on impactful initiatives across four main pillars:

1. Enhanced Screening and Diagnostics: AstraZeneca will establish partnerships with Abuja National Hospital, NSIA-LUTH, and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu in setting linkages for access to molecular testing within Nigeria.

The initiative will also explore screening support for patients across breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.

2. Capacity and Capability Building: AstraZeneca, collaborating with the Guandong Academy of Medical Sciences, will provide Nigeria-China cross border capacity building for multidisciplinary teams from chosen centres of excellence. Additionally, the initiative will enhance pathology expertise through pathologist training across Nigeria and provide oncology training for Healthcare Professionals (HCPs).

3. Patient Empowerment: AstraZeneca is deeply committed to working with patient association groups to reach the right communities, focusing on education and awareness.

4. Access to Medicines: AstraZeneca is unwavering in its commitment to expanding access to innovative treatment and establishing patient support/affordability programs to enable enhanced access for Nigerian patients. This commitment is a testament to our dedication to improving cancer care in Nigeria.

Deepak Arora, Country President African Cluster at AstraZeneca, highlighted the programme’s potential:

“At AstraZeneca, we are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including governments, healthcare professionals, and patient communities, to build resilient healthcare systems and improve access to innovative cancer treatments for patients throughout Africa. This marks a significant milestone in this journey, and we are confident that it will positively impact the lives of many, bringing science to life. This commitment underscores our dedication to empowering patients in their fight against cancer.”

On his part, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, the director general of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), applauded AstraZeneca for the initiative, describing it as brilliant and timely.

“NICRAT which is the leading government agency with the mandate to provide national leadership in cancer research, improve cancer treatment, prevention and care in Nigeria is committed to supporting this initiative to the later.

“With the formal launch of this initiative today by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, NICRAT believes strongly that it will boost our effort towards achieving improved cancer screening and diagnosis, expand access to innovative treatment and also contribute immensely in building the capacity of all categories of experts in the cancer space in Nigeria,” says Prof. Malami, the Director General of NICRAT.

Cancer Care Africa is AstraZeneca’s response to the growing cancer burden on the African continent, and the company aims to successfully collaborate and partner with government entities, NGOs, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups to address the urgent need for action.