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Abasi Ene-Obong

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Dr.
Abasi Ene-Obong
Born (1985-06-20) 20 June 1985 (age 39)
Calabar, Nigeria
NationalityNigerian
Alma materImperial College London
Keck Graduate Institute
Barts
OccupationBusiness executive
Known forBiotechnology
Notable workCEO at 54gene
TitleFounder and CEO at Syndicate Bio
Spouse
​
(m. 2022)​
FatherEne-Obong Effiom Ene-Obong

Abasi Ene-Obong (born 20 June 1985), is a Nigerian biomedical scientist and entrepreneur.[1] Abasi holds a master's degree in human molecular genetics from Imperial College London and a PhD in Cancer Biology from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in England.[2] Since September 2023, he is the founder and CEO of Syndicate Bio, a health technology company driving genomics and precision medicine initiatives in global healthcare.[3][4] Prior to this, since 2019, Abasi served as the co-founder and CEO at 54Gene Inc, a defunct Nigerian health and biotech firm specialized in African genomics which he grew to a valuation of nearly $200m before stepping down in October 2022.[5][6]

Biography

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Abasi was born on 20 June 1985, to Prof Mrs Henrietta Nkechi Ene-obong and late Prof. Ene-Obong Effiom Ene-Obong, he was raised in Nsukka, Nigeria. Both parents were/ are members of the Nigerian Academy of Science. His father served as vice chancellor at University of Cross River State, and a traditional ruler in Calabar among others.[7][8]

In 2003, Abasi attended his undergraduate studies at University of Calabar, Nigeria where he obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Genetics and Biotechnology in 2007. Subsequently, he enrolled at Imperial College London, UK to pursue a post-graduate degree, he graduated with master's degree in human molecular genetics. Since 2013, Abasi holds a PhD in Cancer Biology from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in England. Abasi further enrolled at Keck Graduate Institute, a member of the Claremont Colleges, U.S to pursue another post graduate degree, he graduated with master's in business management in 2014.[9][10]

Career

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Since 2009, Abasi was a researcher, working at King's College London until 2010, and Barts Cancer Institute until 2013. He is published in some of the world's scientific journals such as Gastroenterology, Cell, and Nature. In 2013, he published in Gastroenterology Journal a paper on pancreatic cancer immunology.[11] In 2021, Abasi was invited by Nature Biotech, alongside Bill Gates, Jennifer Doudna, and others to co-author the "Voices of biotech" issue.[12] From 2013 to 2014, Abasi served as a consultant for Panasonic and Gilead Sciences. Between 2014 and 2015, Abasi was a research director and consultant at IMS Health (now known as IQVIA), based in the U.S. Subsequently, he became a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) senior associate and healthcare industry advisor, based in the U.S, until August 2016. In 2017, Abasi spent months as a Lead Consultant at Pathfinder International for Nigeria's Strategic Health Development Plan, based in Nigeria.[13]

Business career

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54Gene

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In 2019, Abasi founded 54gene in Nigeria along with Ogochukwu Osifo, Damilola Oni, and Gatumi Aliyu, to address the neglect of African natives in global genomics research by setting out the authoritative biobank of the African genome among other initiatives.[14][15] He served as the CEO of 54gene until October 2022.[16] In 2020, Abasi and his team raised a $15 million Series A round led by Adjuvant Capital to scale research operations and clinical programs.[17] Backed by notable investors including Y Combinator, in two years they raised $45 million in three funding rounds to implement in African genomics, considered the first of its kind in Africa.[18][19] In September 2020, Abasi joined the Endeavor Entrepreneur global network, 54gene joined 10 other Endeavor Entrepreneur-led companies in Nigeria, and over 1,300 in Endeavor's 37 markets across Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe and North America.[20]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 54gene built resources around COVID-19 testing, setting up testing labs and mobile labs in Nigeria.[21] They were at some point one of Nigeria's largest providers of COVID testing.[22] In August 2022, with the significant decline in COVID-19 tests, the 54gene laid off 30% of its workforce, many company employees were recruited in relation to COVID-19 operations. In October 2022, Abasi resigned from CEO position and was replaced by Teresia L. Bost as interim CEO.[23]

Syndicate Bio

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In September 2023, Abasi launched Syndicate Bio, a health technology company driving genomics and precision medicine initiatives across the world's most diverse regions, starting in Africa to bridge the gap in global healthcare.[24] Through Syndicate Bio, Abasi uses partnerships with governments, pharma companies, academia and other stakeholders to drive local precision medicine impact. In October 2023, Syndicate Bio announced the signing of MoU with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).[25] In April 2024, Sophia Genetics and Syndicate Bio announced a collaboration to introduce comprehensive genomic profiling and liquid biopsy services on an unprecedented scale across Africa.[26][27]

Scientific contributions with 54gene

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In 2019, Abasi through 54gene started developing the pan-African DNA biobank, the first of its kind which collected above 300,000 unique human samples and corresponding genomic data by 2022.[28][29] Abasi through 54gene created the African Center for Translational Genomics (ACTG). The ACTG was launched as a Non-profit organization to harness translational genetic research across Africa by providing grants, fellowships, internships, and training to medical students and researchers.[30] In February 2020, Abasi led 54gene to team up with Nigerian scientists to launch a study investigating genetic causes of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.[31][32]

During COVID-19 pandemic, Abasi through 54gene raised Nigeria's COVID-19 testing capacity. In March 2020, he launched a $500,000 fund to tackle COVID-19 testing challenges faced in Nigeria, 54gene opened the fund by donating $150,000 within 24 hours, he had secured an additional of $350,000 from partners, including Union Bank. Since April 2020, 54gene started launching mobile laboratories in Nigeria. The mobile labs were fully kitted container structures designed to reduce the logistical challenges involved in shipping samples to another location for processing.[33][34]

Memberships

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Recognitions

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2019: One of the 30 most innovative entrepreneurs of the year in Africa by Quartz.[37]

2020: Fortune's 40 under 40 most influential people in healthcare.[38]

2020: Nigeria Hero in the fight against COVID-19 by This Day.[39]

2021: One of the 100 most influential young Africans by Avance Media.[40]

2021: Technology Pioneers by World Economic Forum.[41]

2021: Young Global Leaders by World Economic Forum.[42]

2021: New Economy Catalyst by Bloomberg.[43]

2022: Top 20 under 40 biotech leaders by Endpoint News.[44]

Personal life

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Abasi is married to Ini Dima-Okojie, a couple got legally married on May 19, 2022, and traditionally on May 21, 2022, in Lagos, Nigeria.[45]

Selected publications

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  • Ene-Obong, A.; Clear, A. J.; Watt, J.; Wang, J.; Fatah, R.; Riches, J. C.; Marshall, J. F.; Chin-Aleong, J.; Chelala, C.; Gribben, J. G.; Ramsay, A. G.; Kocher, H. M. (25 July 2013). "Activated Pancreatic Stellate Cells Sequester CD8+ T-Cells to Reduce Their Infiltration of the Juxtatumoral Compartment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma". Gastroenterology. 145 (5): 1121–1132. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2013.07.025. PMC 3896919. PMID 23891972.

References

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  1. ^ Oluwole, Victor (5 July 2021). "The people behind healthcare innovation: an interview with Abasi Ene-Obong, CEO and Founder, 54gene". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  2. ^ Marcus, Joy (21 July 2019). "Infrastructure gap makes working in Nigeria challenging – Abasi Ene-Obong". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  3. ^ Omoniyi, Faith (19 September 2023). "Ex CEO of 54gene launches new genomics startup". TechCabal. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  4. ^ "54gene Founder Returns With New Genomics Company Syndicate Bio". POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of people of color in tech. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  5. ^ Walt, Vivienne (7 August 2022). "54gene's CEO Wants to Fix Health Data's Racial Imbalance". TIME. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  6. ^ "It's 54gene's Abasi Ene-Obong again – Technext". 20 September 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Inidima Okojie Loses Father-in-law | Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 23 September 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  8. ^ "CRUTECH VC Capped Etubom By Obong of Calabar". CrossRiverWatch. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  9. ^ Porta, Lauren (11 August 2022). "KGI Alum and 54gene CEO Abasi Ene-Obong Wants to Fix the Racial Imbalance in Health Data". Keck Graduate Institute. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  10. ^ Porta, Lauren (13 April 2022). "KGI Announces Alumnus Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong as the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 2022 Commencement Speaker". Keck Graduate Institute. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  11. ^ Ene-Obong, Abasi; Clear, Andrew J.; Watt, Jennifer; Wang, Jun; Fatah, Rewas; Riches, John C.; Marshall, John F.; Chin-Aleong, Joanne; Chelala, Claude; Gribben, John G.; Ramsay, Alan G.; Kocher, Hemant M. (1 November 2013). "Activated pancreatic stellate cells sequester CD8+ T cells to reduce their infiltration of the juxtatumoral compartment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma". Gastroenterology. 145 (5): 1121–1132. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2013.07.025. ISSN 1528-0012. PMC 3896919. PMID 23891972.
  12. ^ Bosley, Katrine; Casebourn, Charlotte; Chan, Priscilla; Chen, Janice; Chen, Michael; Church, George; Cumbers, John; de Wouters, Tomas; Dewey-Hagborg, Heather; Duportet, Xavier; Ene-Obong, Abasi; Elizondo, Arturo; Farrar, Jeremy; Gates, Bill; Gatto, Francesco (1 June 2021). "Voices of biotech leaders". Nature Biotechnology. 39 (6): 654–660. doi:10.1038/s41587-021-00941-4. ISSN 1546-1696. PMID 34113035.
  13. ^ Koba, Melchior. "Nigeria: Abasi Ene-Obong fights cancer with biotech solutions". www.wearetech.africa (in French). Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  14. ^ "The Demise Of 54gene: Insiders Trace How Boom Turned Bust". WeeTracker. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  15. ^ Udodiong, Inemesit (10 July 2019). "Business Insider chats with the CEO of 54gene, the company building the world's first pan-African biobank". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  16. ^ "How decoding African DNA could help fight disease". BBC News. 12 November 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  17. ^ Jackson, Tom (14 April 2020). "Nigeria's 54gene secures $15m Series A funding round to scale operations". Disrupt Africa. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  18. ^ "Erstwhile co-founder and CEO of 54gene launches Syndicate Bio, another genomics venture". Bendada.com, modern tech media in SSA. 18 September 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  19. ^ Eleanya, Frank (22 January 2021). "54gene's new genomic lab holds promise for Nigeria's medical research". Businessday NG. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  20. ^ "Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, Founder And CEO Of 54gene Selected As Endeavor Entrepreneur". 21 September 2020. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  21. ^ Jackson, Tom (29 April 2020). "Nigeria's 54gene launches mobile COVID-19 testing lab". Disrupt Africa. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  22. ^ Kene-Okafor, Tage (29 August 2022). "African genomics startup 54gene lays off 95". TechCrunch. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  23. ^ Augustine, Abraham (25 October 2022). "54gene CEO steps down 2 months after the company laid off 30% of its workforce". TechCabal. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  24. ^ Nwankwo, Joel (19 September 2023). "Former CEO of 54Gene Launches Syndicate Bio, to Spearhead Genomics in Africa". Tech | Business | Economy. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Syndicate Bio Scores Early Win As 54gene Ex-CEO Plots Comeback". WeeTracker. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  26. ^ "Nigerian biotech startup, Syndicate Bio, introduces liquid biopsy services to revolutionize cancer diagnostics in Africa". innovation-village.com. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  27. ^ GENETICS, SOPHiA. "SOPHiA GENETICS Announces Syndicate Bio as First Liquid Biopsy Customer in Africa". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  28. ^ Eyimegwu, Ekene (21 April 2022). "54gene, Health Technology Startup". Connectnigeria Articles. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  29. ^ Pedroncelli, Peter (27 May 2020). "TRUE Africa | African Genomics Firm 54gene Raises $15M To Accelerate African Genetic Research". TRUE Africa. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  30. ^ "Nigerian Startup 54gene Launches the African Centre for Translational Genomics". Ash Publications. 30 December 2021.
  31. ^ Williams, Tommy. "Meet 54Gene: Changing The Landscape Of Global DNA By Including Africa". Forbes. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  32. ^ Letsebe, Kgaogelo (12 May 2022). "Nigerian 100K genome project on track to completion". Research Professional News. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  33. ^ Anudu, Odinaka (18 May 2020). "How Ene-Obong raises Nigeria's Covid-19 testing capacity". Businessday NG. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  34. ^ Adejoro, Lara (21 July 2020). "We've stopped N50,000 extra charges for COVID-19 test −54gene CEO". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  35. ^ "International Cancer Coalition Members". Bloomberg New Economy. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  36. ^ Media, Bloomberg. "Fourth Annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum Announces New Programming and Initiatives Leading Delegate Action on Finance, Cities, Trade, Climate and Health, November 16–19 in Singapore". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  37. ^ "Quartz Africa Innovators 2019: leading the change for Africa's future". Quartz. 19 September 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  38. ^ BellaNaija.com (5 September 2020). "Margaret Anadu, Abasi Ene-Obong & Olugbenga Agboola make "Fortune 40 under 40" 2020 List". BellaNaija. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  39. ^ "Fighting for Nigeria: Heroes of Battle against COVID-19 – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  40. ^ Nsehe, Mfonobong. "After Raising $4.5 Million, 54gene Seeks To Lead Genetic Mapping Of African DNA". Forbes. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  41. ^ Jackson, Tom (16 June 2021). "7 African startups named WEF Technology Pioneers of 2021". Disrupt Africa. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  42. ^ Admin (18 March 2021). "WEF Confers Two Young Enterprising Nigerians with Aliko Dangote Fellowship". African Leadership Magazine. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  43. ^ "Introducing the First Bloomberg New Economy Catalysts". Bloomberg New Economy. 8 June 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  44. ^ "The 20(+1) under 40: Your guide to the next generation of biotech leaders". Endpoints News. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  45. ^ BellaNaija.com (26 May 2022). "Ini Dima-Okojie & Abasi Ene-Obong's Traditional Wedding was an Awesome Display of Love & Culture". BellaNaija. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
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