NICRAT, Xcene Sign Pact to Improve Cancer Research, Early Detection, Clinical Trials

The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and Xcene Laboratories and Diagnostics Limited, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve cancer research, early detection and clinical trials.

Other objectives of the MoU include to further advance treatment innovation and registry development in Nigeria.

The initial focus will be on colorectal, ovarian, breast, prostate, liver, cervical cancers, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The areas of collaboration include expanding access to affordable diagnostics and laboratory services, national screening and early detection program, cancer research, cancer genomics, and clinical trials, innovation in cancer drug discovery and National Cancer Registry Program.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja, on Monday, June 8, 2026, the Director General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, reiterated the need for what he described as home-grown research.

While commending Xcene for venturing into cancer research despite the difficulty, Prof. Malami disclosed that: “The major problem that we are facing now in the country is mainly in the area of clinical trials which most of the subjects that are included are not actually from Africa.

“In most of the targeted cancer therapies that we have in the country, the researchers did not capture the side effect(s) it could have on our people. This is because the research was conducted in the West. The researchers could not capture exactly how the result could be when it comes to Africa.

“This is because the good result that was experienced in the West is actually not exactly the experience when it comes to Africa. That is not actually a surprise because the genetic constitution of Africans is different from the West.”

The collaboration, according to the NICRAT Director General, “will assist us to venture into the common cancers that we have in the country. It will also help us know the signatures of these cancers, what are the drivers and the mutation that are driving these cancers.”

On her part, the Xcene Research Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Adebukunola Telufusi, said the partnership between her organization and NICRAT is “aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework to jointly advance cancer research, early detection, diagnostics, treatment innovation and registry development across the nation.”

Represented by Morenikeji Aina-Badejo, the Xcene CEO explained that by joining forces with NICRAT, “we are bridging the gap between cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure and national oncology strategies. At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to expanding access to affordable diagnostics and laboratory services.”

She further noted that: “Beyond diagnostics, we are pooling out strengths towards designing and implementing nation-wide cancer screening and early detection initiatives, leveraging Xcene Research and Xcene Laboratories and Diagnostics’ technical capabilities alongside NICRAT’s extensive national programmatic reach.”

Speaking on the way forward, the Director Clinical Services, Prof. Musa-Ali Gombe, disclosed that a technical committee will be inaugurated to determine the framework of the collaboration.

This, he said, will be followed by regular meetings in an effort to achieve the laid down objectives.