Nigeria’s 54gene launches diagnostics arm 7RiverLabs

54gene, a Nigerian health technology company advancing African genomics research for improved global health outcomes, has announced the launch of 7RiverLabs, its diagnostic arm.

54gene, founded in 2019, is a research, services, and development company that uses human genetic data from diverse African populations to improve the development, availability, and efficacy of medical products that will benefit Africans and the rest of the world.

The startup raised a US$25 million Series B funding round in September and has now launched 7RiverLabs, a network of diagnostic hubs outfitted with cutting-edge technology that provides healthcare providers and patients with access to world-class, cost-effective, quick, dependable, and advanced molecular diagnostics.

Sample collection centers with more than 100 employees are already open in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, with additional centers set to open in 10 major Nigerian cities in the coming months. 7RiverLabs also intends to expand across Africa by the end of 2022.

Formerly known as DiagnoseMe Africa, 7RiverLabs – named after the continent’s seven major rivers – aims to equalize precision medicine for African populations. Based on that vision, 54gene has domesticated diagnostic technology, eliminating the need to send samples abroad for analysis. Physicians will now be able to detect and prevent diseases earlier, assisting in the improvement of patients’ treatment outcomes and health quality.

“The launch of 7RiverLabs is a manifestation of one of the goals 54gene set out to achieve two years ago: improving diagnostic and treatment outcomes across the continent.” With the variety of tests provided by 7RiverLabs, millions of Africans can begin to regain control of their health.

Our goal with this new diagnostics arm is to ensure that every African has access to our advanced laboratory test hubs without having to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket costs. “Patients will receive rapid results that will guide their physicians in reducing late diagnoses that lead to poor survival chances, improving their treatment options, and ultimately improving their quality of life,” said 54gene founder and CEO Dr Abasi Ene-Obong.