AstraZeneca and Revna Biosciences Unite to Advance EGFR Testing and Cancer Care in Ghana

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, and Ghana is no exception.

 

In a groundbreaking step for cancer care in Ghana, AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovations, has partnered with Revna Biosciences, a premier precision medicine and advanced diagnostics company, to deliver state-of-the-art Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) biomarker testing across the country. This collaboration not only focuses on enhancing diagnostic capabilities but also paves the way for more personalized and targeted therapies tailored to each patient’s unique genetic profile.

Revolutionizing Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, and Ghana is no exception. A major contributor to the progression of NSCLC is mutations in the EGFR gene, a protein involved in vital cellular processes such as growth, division, and survival. These mutations often result in the overexpression of EGFR proteins, causing uncontrolled cellular proliferation and tumor growth.

Identifying these mutations accurately through EGFR biomarker testing is critical. Such precision allows physicians to select targeted therapies that are more effective and carry fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy regimens. With this partnership, Ghanaian patients will have access to modern technologies that offer faster and more precise EGFR testing, ultimately leading to earlier diagnoses and better health outcomes.

Building a Future of Hope for Cancer Patients

Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, Medical Director of the African Cluster at AstraZeneca, emphasized the broader vision behind this initiative. “At AstraZeneca, we are committed to collaborating with governments, healthcare professionals, and patient advocacy groups to build resilient healthcare infrastructures. By investing in EGFR biomarker testing and promoting precision medicine in Ghana, we are giving today's patients a real chance at a better future through innovative therapies."

He further stated, “Today's patients are at the center of our mission. By harnessing the advancements of tomorrow, we are determined to transform hope into tangible reality for many individuals battling lung cancer."

Comprehensive Support: Diagnosis to Treatment

The partnership between AstraZeneca and Revna Biosciences goes beyond diagnostics. The first phase of the collaboration will focus on mapping the entire patient journey—from accurate diagnosis to customized treatment—ensuring that every patient receives timely and effective care.

Additionally, the initiative will roll out educational programs and workshops for healthcare professionals. These sessions will equip oncologists, pulmonologists, and laboratory specialists with next-generation tools and knowledge, aiming to foster early detection practices, improve treatment planning, and boost clinical outcomes.

This comprehensive support structure is expected to contribute significantly to Ghana’s efforts toward global cancer control, offering not just treatments but long-term strategies to mitigate the burden of lung cancer.

A Vision for Personalized Healthcare

Dr. Derrick Edem Akpalu, CEO and Co-Founder of Revna Biosciences, echoed the enthusiasm surrounding the partnership. “This collaboration is timely, responding to the growing demand for personalized healthcare solutions. Advances in EGFR testing and targeted therapies are opening new horizons in cancer care, offering unprecedented hope for better clinical outcomes. Through this partnership, we are committed to raising awareness, increasing access, and delivering life-saving treatments to the patients who need them most."

He added, “The knowledge we gain today through research and diagnostics will shape the healthcare landscape of tomorrow—not just for Ghana, but for patients across the globe."

Next Steps: Preparing for Implementation

The initial phase of the program will soon commence with the onboarding of healthcare professionals across various facilities in Ghana. The first series of workshops and training sessions are scheduled to begin shortly, with participant selection already underway.

This rollout is designed to be comprehensive and sustainable, ensuring that the benefits of the collaboration extend far beyond its initial stages. It represents a long-term investment in Ghana’s healthcare ecosystem, aiming to create a model that could be replicated across other regions facing similar challenges.

 

AstraZeneca and Revna Biosciences are charting a new course for cancer care in Ghana. By bridging diagnostics, education, and treatment, they are laying a strong foundation for personalized medicine. Their shared vision promises a future where every cancer patient, regardless of geography, has access to the precise treatments they need to survive and thrive.

Today's Patient, Tomorrow’s Hope—this initiative is more than a slogan; it is a promise to the people of Ghana, signaling a new era of hope and possibility in the fight against lung cancer.