Biologix Laboratories Limited has launched advanced companion diagnostic tests in Nigeria to help doctors identify the most effective treatments for cancer patients, marking a major step in the country’s fight against cancer.
Voke Toye, Chief Executive Officer of Biologix Support Services Limited, said the goal is to make precision medicine available and affordable to Nigerians.
“This is the era of precision medicine, our goal is to make high-quality cancer genomic tests affordable and accessible to all Nigerians,” Toye said. “By bringing these advanced tests to Nigeria, we are not only saving lives but also giving patients a fighting chance with the best possible treatments.”
The company, a subsidiary of Biologix Support Services Limited, said the locally available tests will enable targeted treatment for patients with breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. The move is expected to cut costs, shorten turnaround time and improve access to precision medicine for many Nigerians.
With the introduction of high-throughput Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, Biologix now provides cancer genetic and genomic testing services within Nigeria. This eliminates the need for patients to send samples abroad, a process that often involves long delays, high costs, and logistical difficulties.
Companion diagnostics are specialised tests that detect specific genetic mutations responsible for the development of cancer. Identifying these mutations allows doctors to select therapies that target the patient’s unique cancer profile. For example, lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations respond better to drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
In July 2024, Biologix Laboratories began a partnership with an international pharmaceutical company to offer free EGFR mutation testing for patients with lung adenocarcinoma in Nigeria. The ongoing programme has already enabled many patients to access appropriate treatments at lower costs.
The company also introduced genetic tests for colorectal cancer in 2024, including BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, and MSI biomarker testing. These tests help oncologists determine the genetic drivers of each patient’s cancer, guiding them to choose the most suitable therapies.
As part of its wider commitment to advancing cancer care, Biologix now offers BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing for breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. The company’s portfolio includes genomic profiling for both solid and liquid biopsies, covering somatic and germline mutations, as well as hereditary cancer profiling.
With local access to companion diagnostic testing, oncologists can now obtain results within days rather than weeks, allowing for faster and more effective treatment decisions.
Biologix’s investment in diagnostic infrastructure is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s cancer care ecosystem and support early detection, better treatment outcomes and improved survival rates.
The company said it remains committed to expanding access to molecular diagnostics and strengthening collaboration with local hospitals and research institutions to improve cancer management nationwide.
By introducing these tests in Nigeria, Biologix is providing new opportunities for patients to receive timely and targeted care, reducing dependence on overseas laboratories and improving the overall response to cancer treatment.
