Rwanda will host Africa’s first facility for eye care and cancer drug manufacturing, expected to open in 2026. Bio Usawa, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, aims to provide affordable treatments for severe eye diseases and reduce cancer medication costs. The facility will produce drugs such as Herceptin, improving survival rates for patients. Local production is seen as crucial for self-sufficiency and reducing dependency during crises.
Rwanda is set to establish Africa’s inaugural manufacturing facility dedicated to eye care products and monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment, expected to be completed by 2026. Dr. Menghis Bairu, CEO of Bio Usawa, made this announcement in an exclusive interview with The New Times, following a collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The facility’s primary goal is to offer affordable treatments for severe eye conditions and reduce cancer medication costs significantly across the continent.
Among the medications that will be produced is Herceptin (Trastuzumab), a monoclonal antibody essential for breast cancer therapy, which boasts a remarkable five-year survival rate of 95% with treatment, compared to 5-10% without. The plant’s production will commence after successfully manufacturing Aflibercept, another antibody targeting diabetic macular edema, which is presently unaffordably priced at $60,000 to $70,000 per course. Bairu emphasized the necessity of establishing local manufacturing to provide life-saving treatments at the lowest cost possible.
Rwanda was chosen for this venture after Bio Usawa conducted a continent-wide assessment, identifying its business environment as the most supportive. Bairu highlighted the rapid response times from Rwandan authorities, contrasting it with other regions. This investor-friendly approach includes a one-stop center aimed at minimizing bureaucratic delays.
Furthermore, Bairu detailed the advantages of monoclonal antibodies over traditional chemotherapy, citing their precision and reduced side effects. Bio Usawa plans to utilize its team’s expertise to significantly lower prices by 80% at the outset, with a longer-term goal of reaching an 80% to 90% reduction as production augments.
The company has submitted its plans to the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority, with expectations of modular plants arriving by late 2025 and the facility operating by early 2026. The goal is to achieve a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant facility by Q1 2026 and to produce the first monoclonal antibody by 2027, supported by funding from African investors and the diaspora.
Patrick Lukulay, Bio Usawa’s Chief Operating Officer, reiterated the importance of local production, particularly in crises that destabilize supply chains. By acquiring a cell line, the company aims for self-sufficiency in product generation. Lukulay also emphasized the need for adherence to international manufacturing standards while prioritizing affordability. He urged policymakers to support local production investments in order to tackle significant health challenges collaboratively. Ultimately, this initiative positions Rwanda to significantly enhance healthcare access across Africa, making crucial treatments more attainable for patients.
In summary, Rwanda is poised to become a pivotal player in the manufacturing of eye care and cancer medications, with a facility that promises to offer affordable healthcare solutions. Led by Bio Usawa, this initiative not only aims to enhance survival rates for cancer patients but also addresses the dire need for local production in Africa. The emphasis on reducing costs while ensuring high-quality standards underscores the project’s commitment to making essential medicines accessible to all. As development progresses, it reflects a broader vision for improving health outcomes across the continent, illustrating the critical role of supportive governmental policies in health sector advancements.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
