Despite Africa’s vast population and genetic diversity, it accounts for less than 3% of the world’s genome sequencing efforts-a critical laboratory technique used to decode the complete DNA sequence of an organism or cell type. This significant shortfall impedes progress in understanding and treating diseases prevalent on the continent, such as various cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and sickle cell disease. Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, founder of Syndicate Bio, a pioneering genomics firm, emphasizes, “The lack of indigenous genomic data has long restricted our ability to effectively prevent, diagnose, and manage diseases.”
The limited availability of African genomic data stems primarily from the historically prohibitive costs and technical challenges. Back in 2001, sequencing the human genome required 13 years and an investment of approximately $2.7 billion. Although the cost has dramatically dropped to around $200 by 2024, genome sequencing has largely remained a research-focused tool in Africa rather than a routine part of clinical care. Most sequencing capacity on the continent has been dedicated to microbial studies, rather than the comprehensive human genome sequencing that Syndicate Bio aims to implement.
Founded in September 2023 by Dr. Ene-Obong after his departure from 54gene, a genomics startup he co-established, Syndicate Bio is committed to advancing genomics and precision medicine throughout Africa and beyond. The company fosters partnerships with governments, pharmaceutical firms, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to promote precision medicine locally while building robust datasets that fuel drug discovery, research, and development.
At the heart of Syndicate Bio’s mission is its newly inaugurated sequencing laboratory in Nigeria, which serves as a hub for AI-driven precision medicine. Central to this initiative is Direct by Syndicate Bio, a genetic testing and precision medicine platform designed to provide actionable health insights to patients and healthcare providers across Africa.
Direct leverages Nigeria’s extensive genetic variation, which influences everything from drug metabolism to hereditary cancer risks. Historically, genetic testing for African patients was outsourced overseas, disconnected from everyday healthcare delivery. Direct by Syndicate Bio aims to transform this by offering sophisticated genetic testing services domestically.
Previously inaccessible complex genetic tests are now available within Nigeria. Samples such as blood, tissue, or saliva are collected through a network of partner laboratories nationwide and analyzed to generate clinical reports that offer practical medical guidance.
To integrate these advanced genetic insights into clinical practice, Syndicate Bio has established the Direct Nigeria Precision Medicine Network (DNPMN). This collaborative alliance includes local hospitals, cancer centers, and international partners working together on complex cancer cases, offering second opinions, sharing expertise, and ensuring patients receive personalized prevention and treatment strategies. Notable collaborators include the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (USA), Lakeshore Cancer Centre, and Redus Centre for Digestive Health.
Dr. Sai Yendamuri, Chief Strategy Officer at Roswell Park, highlights, “Our partnership embodies a shared vision to democratize precision medicine for underserved African populations. By merging genomic testing expertise with oncology education and awareness programs, we empower clinicians and communities to enhance patient outcomes.”
Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technology
Direct launches with a targeted portfolio of genetic tests tailored to address pressing healthcare challenges, offering Nigerians personalized insights into their unique genetic makeup.
A primary focus is oncology, the medical specialty dedicated to cancer diagnosis and treatment. In 2022 alone, Nigeria reported over 260,000 new cancer cases, yet the country has only 27 cancer treatment centers. Direct’s genetic tools are poised to revolutionize cancer care. For families with a history of cancer, hereditary cancer testing can uncover genetic predispositions. Syndicate Bio’s laboratory is equipped to analyze more than 300 genes associated with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Beyond oncology, these hereditary tests can detect up to 90 inherited disorders spanning cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodevelopmental, ophthalmological, immune, and hematological conditions.
For individuals currently undergoing cancer treatment, tumor profiling is available to examine the genetic drivers of their specific cancer, enabling clinicians to tailor therapies with greater precision.
“Historically, cancer treatment in Nigeria lacked actionable genetic insights,” explains Dr. Ene-Obong. “Now, with these tools, we can pinpoint the exact genetic factors fueling a patient’s cancer and select the most effective medications accordingly.”
Another key offering is pharmacogenomics, which reveals how a person’s genetic makeup influences their response to medications. This explains why certain drugs, like common analgesics, may be ineffective for some but work well for others. For critical conditions involving cardiovascular or autoimmune diseases, this knowledge can be life-saving by guiding optimal drug selection.
Direct also provides health and wellness screenings, tests for population-specific traits such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). NIPT enables expectant mothers to assess fetal health and detect chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome and Turner syndrome without the risks associated with invasive procedures.
From Sample to Insight: The Testing Process
Patients can conveniently select their desired genetic tests online, after which they visit one of Syndicate Bio’s partner laboratories located in 20 Nigerian cities for sample collection. Once samples arrive at the Lagos facility, an automated process extracts genetic material, which undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure sufficient concentration. Each sample is then assigned a unique barcode to maintain accurate patient identification throughout sequencing.
The samples are processed using high-throughput sequencers capable of generating up to 100 gigabytes of raw genetic data per sample. This data is uploaded to secure cloud storage, where artificial intelligence algorithms analyze it to extract the requested genetic insights. The results are compiled into comprehensive clinical reports shared with both patients and their healthcare providers. To facilitate understanding and application of these findings, genetic counselors are available to translate complex data into actionable medical decisions.
Africa’s unparalleled genetic diversity has long been underrepresented in global health research. Without region-specific data, the continent has relied on medical tools and insights developed for other populations, often with limited effectiveness. Direct by Syndicate Bio aims to bridge this gap by generating comprehensive local genomic data.
Dr. Ene-Obong notes that this data will be instrumental in shaping health policies, providing governments with the evidence needed to approve and import medications tailored to their populations. Ultimately, Africa’s growing genomic datasets will enrich global medical knowledge, compelling researchers worldwide to consider the continent’s unique genetic landscape.
Looking ahead, Syndicate Bio plans to broaden its offerings to include kinship testing for forensic and paternity purposes, digital pathology services, and newborn screening programs. Their overarching vision is to harness extensive genetic data to infuse medicine with data-driven precision and intelligence.
As Dr. Ene-Obong summarizes, “Through Direct, Syndicate Bio is unlocking Nigeria’s rich genetic heritage to enhance healthcare for Nigerians and the diaspora, while championing inclusive precision medicine on a global scale.”
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