54gene, a health-tech company dedicated to improving African genomics research for better global health outcomes, has announced the launch of 7RiverLabs, its diagnostic arm.
The diagnostic hubs, which are equipped with cutting-edge technology, will give healthcare providers and patients with world-class, cost-effective, fast, reliable, and advanced molecular diagnostics.
In Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, sample collection centres with over 100 employees are already operating, with more centres set to open in 10 major Nigerian cities in the coming months. Over the course of 2022, 7RiverLabs plans to expand across Africa.
Since its launch in 2019, 54gene has been at the forefront of genomics and molecular medicine in Africa. Previously known as DiagnoseMe Africa, 7RiverLabs (named after the continent’s seven major rivers) aims to make precision medicine more accessible to Africans.
On the basis of that vision, 54gene has domesticated diagnostic technology, removing the need for samples to be shipped abroad for analysis, which comes at a significant expense to the patient.
Physicians will be able to detect and prevent diseases earlier, resulting in better treatment outcomes and overall health for patients.
As part of its ambition to establish itself as a principal provider of diagnostic services driven by ultra-modern technology, 54gene has chosen its Chief Business Officer, Jude Uzonwanne as the diagnostic arm’s interim-CEO.
Over 300 critical molecular tests, including oncology, infectious diseases, genetic testing and sequencing, anatomic pathology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, haematology, and communicable and non-communicable diseases, can now be performed safely and securely thanks to state-of-the-art laboratories and significant workflow improvements.
The potential market for medical tests in Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to be worth $10 billion by 2021.
The majority of molecular tests are now shipped outside of Africa; however, investment in this area is likely to see the industry develop at a rate of more than 4% per year.
This will be directly linked to affordability, accurate diagnoses, and lightning-fast turnaround times, all of which 7RiverLabs is well-positioned to provide not only in Nigeria, but across Africa.