AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company is in collaboration with Revna Biosciences (www.RevnaBio.com), a precision medicine research and advanced diagnostics company to provide EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) biomarker testing in Ghana. This partnership goes beyond diagnostics and research, extending towards targeted therapies for patients tailored to their unique genetic makeup. There will be enhanced access to modern technologies for EGFR testing capabilities to improve early diagnosis and treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) more effectively.

EGFR Testing

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a protein involved in cell growth, division and survival. Mutations in the EGFR gene lead to the over-production of EGFR proteins on some types of cancer cells, causing the cells to divide more rapidly.

EGFR is regarded as the cancer driver gene in lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and serves as a biomarker in cancer treatment. Accurate testing for EGFR mutations allows doctors to determine the best course of treatment for patients, including the use of targeted therapies that have shown greater efficacy and fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. 

Today's Patient, Tomorrow's Hope

Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, Medical Director African Cluster at AstraZeneca remarked on the program’s potential impact: “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 first step in this collaboration is to map and streamline the patient journey from accurate diagnosis through treatment for improved health outcomes. Beyond providing advanced biomarker testing resource, this partnership will offer educational programs and workshops to equip healthcare professionals in the lung cancer space with next-generation tools, aiming for earlier detection and better clinical outcomes, ultimately contributing to global cancer control.

We anticipate initiating the rollout process shortly, which will encompass onboarding of participating healthcare professionals, the commencement of the first series of workshops, and participant selection. 

Future Look

Dr. Derrick Edem Akpalu, CEO and Co-Founder of Revna Biosciences also spoke about the importance of the partnership “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."