54gene opens human genome sequencing lab in Nigeria

Nigerian medical research startup, 54gene, has opened a private lab capable of human whole genome sequencing with illumina’s Novaseq 6000 in the country. This was made possible due to the company’s partnership with US firm Illumina announced in September this year.

The announcement of the unveiling of the lab was made by 54gene’s founder and CEO Dr Abasi Ene-Obong via a tweet.

“At @weare54gene, we have set up the first private lab in Africa (located in Nigeria) capable of human whole genome sequencing with @illumina’s Novaseq 6000. Our lab also hosts a suite of other molecular genomics capabilities. #ScienceIsHappeningInAfrica“

The genetics facility is equipped with a suite of Illumina’s cutting-edge sequencing and high-density microarray technology platforms, which will generate genetic information for health research and drug development.

With the lab in place, this will make advanced molecular diagnostics more accessible to Nigeria and indeed West Africa, while creating hundreds of skilled jobs in molecular biology and bioinformatics. African samples stored in 54gene’s de-identified biobank, will be genotyped, sequenced and analyzed without the need to send samples overseas, thereby reducing costs and turnaround time for test results.

54gene is a health technology company advancing the state of healthcare through large-scale discovery and translational research, advanced molecular diagnostics, and inclusive clinical programs for the benefit of Africans.

54gene believes that Africans house the most genetically diverse DNA in comparison to all other world populations combined. So in gathering insights from the African genome, they can power medical breakthroughs and discoveries that will change the entire landscape of healthcare, globally. 

54gene has been prominently involved in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. It set up mobile COVID-19 testing centres across the country, including Lagos, Kano and Ogun states.

Launched in January 2019, 54gene has been busy this year. It closed a Series A round of $15M, led by Adjuvant Capital, launched a COVID-19 support fund in Nigeria, and was named in Fast Company’s list of world innovative companies.