Revna Biosciences, a startup based in Accra, Ghana, is dedicated to revolutionizing the genomics landscape in sub-Saharan Africa, with a primary focus on improving local patient care through enhanced access to personalized medicine. The company, established in 2022, has recently forged strategic partnerships with Diatech Pharmacogenetics and Qiagen to address critical knowledge and care gaps prevalent in the region.
About Revna Biosciences
The name “Revna” is derived from the Greek word “erevna,” meaning research or inquiry, reflecting the company’s commitment to dispel the misconception that commercial biomedical sciences cannot thrive on the African continent. The CEO and co-founder, Derrick Edem Akpalu, emphasizes the global nature of the issue, noting that people from Africa are significantly underrepresented in global genomics studies, with less than 2 percent of genomes sequenced and deposited in global databases. Despite Africa’s genetic richness, molecular diagnostic penetration in sub-Saharan Africa is limited, often occurring through external clinical trials with restricted data sharing.
Revna’s Approach
Revna’s approach, founded on diagnostics, clinical research, and biobanking, aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem. By addressing diagnostic needs, the company generates local public health data, fosters clinical trials, and builds a biobank across various indications. The long-term goal is to provide insights for companion diagnostics and therapeutics tailored to the African population.
In its first year, Revna dedicated efforts to building a state-of-the-art facility and achieving ISO certification, ensuring international standards in its operations. The company has registered two molecular diagnostic test systems with the Ghana Food and Drug Authority and initiated patient testing, along with conducting clinical studies in stealth mode. Revna’s emphasis on self-sustainability led to an extensive angel round of financing, with plans to self-fund clinical studies through commercial activities, avoiding traditional venture capital pressures.
Addressing Global Disparities
The mantra “Where clinical goes, commercial goes” resonates with Revna’s strategy. By showcasing the need for molecular testing in the African patient population, the company aims to attract life sciences companies and therapeutics developers to the region. The treatment-naïve local population presents an opportunity for investment, and clinical trial data collected in Africa can support FDA directives on diversity in global clinical trials.
Strategic Partnerships
Revna has partnered with Diatech Pharmacogenetics and Qiagen to offer molecular diagnostic test services, targeting local hospitals and university research programs. The collaboration involves presenting molecular profiling panels and explaining their significance in patient-treatment matching. The company has already registered two molecular diagnostic systems with the Ghana FDA and is actively engaged in cancer clinical research.
The collaboration with Qiagen, in particular, is viewed as part of a broader developmental plan, emphasizing not just commercial aspects but also public health and diagnostic penetration in the region. Training initiatives ensure that Revna’s scientists are well-versed in utilizing the systems, contributing to maintenance, and minimizing downtime. Qiagen’s broader strategy in Africa aligns with addressing skill gaps, increasing genomic capacity, and making diagnostics more accessible and affordable. The goal is to empower the region in precision medicine, with a focus on deepening genomic research in West Africa.
Future Outlook
Despite the current lag in molecular diagnostics in Africa, there is optimism about the region’s growing knowledge base in precision medicine, potentially leading to increased clinical trials. Revna aims to play a pivotal role in this transformation, keeping the community at the forefront of its work. The team is motivated by a moral imperative to bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the world in the realm of genomics and personalized medicine. As the company moves forward, it seeks to build more collaborations, earn the trust of patients, physicians, and lab partners, and ultimately contribute to improving healthcare for both current and future generations in Africa.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
