AstraZeneca and Revna Biosciences Launch EGFR Biomarker Testing to Advance Lung Cancer Care in Ghana
AstraZeneca, a global science-led biopharmaceutical company, has entered a strategic partnership with Revna Biosciences, a leading precision medicine research and advanced diagnostics company based in Ghana, to launch Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) biomarker testing for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance early cancer diagnosis and enable targeted therapies tailored to patients’ unique genetic profiles.
The collaboration will provide enhanced access to modern diagnostic technologies for EGFR testing, which plays a crucial role in determining the best course of treatment for NSCLC. EGFR is a protein that supports cell growth, division, and survival, and mutations in the EGFR gene often lead to the rapid division of cancer cells. As a biomarker, EGFR helps guide clinicians in selecting more effective targeted treatments, which often yield better outcomes and fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, Medical Director for AstraZeneca’s African Cluster, said: “At AstraZeneca, we are committed to working collaboratively with governments, healthcare professionals, and patient communities to create resilient healthcare systems and expand access to innovative cancer treatments for patients across Africa. By investing in EGFR biomarker testing and precision medicine, we are taking a pivotal step toward giving patients in Ghana the treatments they need and deserve. Today’s patients are at the heart of our work, and with tomorrow’s advances in targeted therapies, we are confident that hope will become a tangible reality for many.”
The program’s first phase includes mapping and streamlining the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment, and onboarding healthcare professionals. It also involves launching a series of workshops to provide clinicians with next-generation tools for early detection and improved health outcomes. These educational components are designed to build capacity within Ghana’s healthcare system and align with global efforts to reduce the cancer burden.
Dr. Derrick Edem Akpalu, CEO and Co-Founder of Revna Biosciences, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating: “This collaboration is timely, as the demand for personalized healthcare is growing. Advances in EGFR testing and targeted therapies offer unprecedented hope for improved cancer care in Ghana. Together, we aim to raise awareness and increase access to life-saving treatments, ensuring that every patient in Ghana has the best chance to thrive. The knowledge we gain today will help shape a better tomorrow for patients here and around the world.”
Revna Biosciences, headquartered in Accra and operating across West Africa, offers a suite of biomedical services including molecular diagnostics, biomarker discovery, clinical research, central lab services, and biobanking.
The company has regulatory approvals from the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), holds a tertiary laboratory license from the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA), and is accredited under ISO 15189:2022 and ISO 20387:2018 by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). RevnaBio is also a member of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER).
The rollout of this partnership will commence shortly, with a focus on education, infrastructure support, and improving diagnostic access in both urban and underserved regions.
