Xcene Research, a leading African Contract Research Organization (CRO), and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) today announced the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform cancer care through advanced diagnostics and indigenous research.
The collaboration establishes a framework for Xcene Laboratories and Diagnostics (XLD) and NICRAT to jointly address the rising burden of cancer in Nigeria, with an initial focus on eight priority areas: colorectal, ovarian, breast, prostate, liver, and cervical cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“This partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to bring world-class laboratory infrastructure and clinical research to diverse populations,” said Morenikeji Aina-Badejo, Business Development Executive, Xcene Research. “By combining our bioanalytical capabilities with NICRAT’s national mandate, we are creating a pathway for precision cancer research tailored specifically to the Nigerian genome”.
Key initiatives of the partnership include crucial fundamental priorities such as; expanding access to oncology clinical trials in Nigeria and strengthening data sovereignty by conducting localized research that generates robust genomic and clinical data that reflect our unique population for tailored prevention, diagnosis, early detection, treatment and survival outcomes.
Director General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu urged Xcene Research to sustain the momentum for precision oncology research, noting that the partnership would create needed solutions to be deployed on the continent rather than relying on imported solutions often retrofitted without our population’s key unique genetic considerations.
With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Xcene Research through its subsidiary XCENE LABORATORIES & DIAGNOSTICS would deploy its operational capacity, laboratory infrastructure, and expertise to ensure the partnership yields tangible, life-saving outcomes for thousands of patients across Nigeria and Africa.
About Xcene Research & XLD
Xcene Research is a leading CRO dedicated to advancing global health by expanding clinical trials in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its subsidiary, Xcene Laboratories and Diagnostics (XLD), is a cutting-edge facility designed for high-complexity diagnostics and genomic research.
Website: https://xceneresearch.com/
About NICRAT
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide national leadership in cancer research, treatment, and control.
Website: https://www.nicrat.gov.ng/
