Expanding Availability of Lung Cancer Therapy: Partnership between AstraZeneca and Revna Biosciences in Ghana for Increased Treatment Accessibility
In a groundbreaking move, global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and precision medicine company Revna Biosciences have partnered to transform cancer care in Ghana. AstraZeneca, a science-led, patient-focused organization delivering life-changing medicines across various disease areas, is spearheading this collaboration with Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, their Medical Director for the Africa cluster, at the helm. The partnership has operationalized EGFR biomarker testing within diagnostic workflows at leading cancer centers, enabling a new standard of care for patients who have historically been underserved. This is a significant step towards personalized medicine, as AstraZeneca has launched a targeted therapy for EGFR mutated Lung Cancer patients in Ghana. Revna Biosciences, an ISO-accredited precision medicine company, is advancing genomic research through Africa's unique genetic diversity. Their digital platform, ROBIN, integrates real-world evidence, phenotypic data, and cross-border logistics to streamline research and development processes. Dr. Derrick Edem Akpalu, Co-Founder & CEO of Revna Biosciences, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that it is enabling a new standard of care for patients. Dr. Preetivi Ellis, Co-Founder and Medical Head of Revna Biosciences, further emphasized that the partnership is a game-changer, treating today's patients more effectively and building the genomic and real-world data infrastructure for the future of cancer care. To strengthen diagnostic capacity, a strategic Lung Cancer Symposium and Training Workshop was convened. This event equipped pathologists and oncology leaders with advanced tools and protocols for precision lung cancer diagnostics. In addition, real-time data integration has been established to enhance clinical decision-making in the partnership. By embedding precision medicine into Ghana's healthcare system, the collaboration between AstraZeneca and Revna Biosciences is setting a new standard for cancer care in the region. The collaboration is improving the patient journey from early diagnosis to treatment in Ghana. Revna Biosciences operates a multidisciplinary laboratory facility, integrating advanced molecular diagnostics, biobanking, and clinical and translational research services. Their biobank contains samples across various disease areas, supporting translational science and research. Ethel Klu is the media contact for Revna Biosciences, with the email address [email protected]. Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, the Medical Director African Cluster at Astrazeneca, stated that the partnership is delivering meaningful impact for patients in Ghana. Revna and AstraZeneca have established a scalable infrastructure that connects molecular diagnostics to personalized treatment pathways. The ethos of Revna Biosciences is deeply aligned with caring for today's patients while gleaning genomic and real-world insights for better diagnostics and therapies in the future. This partnership is a testament to their commitment to improving healthcare in Ghana and beyond.
