Syndicate Bio, one of Africa’s leading health innovation platforms, has officially launched Direct by Syndicate Bio, a new service bringing AI-powered genetic testing and precision medicine to Nigeria. The launch is anchored by a new, state-of-the-art sequencing laboratory in Lagos, positioning the company to serve Nigeria’s 200 million people and the global diaspora.
For decades, the promise of precision medicine – treatments tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup – has been hampered by a critical data gap: the vast majority of genomic data used for drug development and diagnostics is derived from populations of European ancestry. This has made many advanced medical treatments less effective for people of African descent.
Syndicate Bio, founded by Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, is making a strategic bet to close that gap. By building local infrastructure, the company aims to generate and analyze genomic data from one of the world’s most genetically diverse populations, creating actionable health insights that are relevant to Nigerians and the wider African continent.
“Nigeria’s diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity for precision medicine,” said Dr. Ene-Obong at the launch event. “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.”
From Cancer Screening to Wellness
The Lagos facility is equipped with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advanced molecular workflows, allowing for faster turnaround times and clinical-grade testing on Nigerian soil.
The initial portfolio of services targets some of the region’s most pressing health concerns:
- Oncology: Comprehensive hereditary cancer panels covering over 300 genes (including BRCA1/2) and somatic tumor profiling to guide targeted cancer treatments.
- Hereditary Conditions: Testing for 90 inherited disorders across cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological categories.
- Maternal Health: Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to provide a safer way for expectant parents to screen for fetal health.
- Pharmacogenomics: Analysis of how an individual’s genes affect their response to drugs, enabling doctors to select the right medication and dosage.
- Health & Wellness: Reports on over 80 genes related to nutrition, fitness, sleep, and other lifestyle traits.
Crucially, the panels are designed with population-relevant traits in mind, including standard screening for sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and G6PD deficiency.
Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Lab
To ensure these advanced diagnostics reach patients and are effectively integrated into clinical care, Syndicate Bio is establishing the Direct Nigeria Precision Medicine Network (DNPMN). This network brings together top local and international healthcare institutions to collaborate on complex cases.
A cornerstone of the network is a joint multidisciplinary tumor board established in partnership with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, a top-tier NCI-designated cancer center in the United States. This will allow Nigerian clinicians to get world-class second opinions and collaborate on treatment plans for their patients.
Other key partners include Lakeshore Cancer Center, Nigeria’s premier oncology facility, and the Redus Center for Digestive Health.
Dr. Chukwumere Nwogu, Co-Founder & CEO of Lakeshore Cancer Center, commented, “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. Sai Yendamuri, Chief Strategy Officer at Roswell Park, added, “We are honored to enter into this collaboration, which reflects our shared commitment to making precision medicine accessible to underserved populations. The creation of a joint tumor board will further strengthen this partnership, fostering multidisciplinary dialogue and ensuring that patients benefit from the latest insights.”
The launch of Direct by Syndicate Bio is more than the opening of a new facility; it’s a strategic move to build the foundational infrastructure for an Africa-centric future of medicine, driven by local data and powered by AI.
