Abasi Ene-Obong
Abasi Ene-Obong | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 20, 1985 Nsukka, Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Biomedical scientist, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder and CEO of Syndicate Bio; co-founder and former CEO of 54gene |
Abasi Ene-Obong (born 20 June 1985) is a Nigerian biomedical scientist and entrepreneur. He earned a master's degree in human molecular genetics from Imperial College London and completed his PhD in Cancer Biology at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Since September 2023, he has been leading Syndicate Bio as its founder and CEO, a health tech firm dedicated to advancing genomics and precision medicine on a global scale.
Before this, from 2019 until October 2022, Ene-Obong co-founded and headed 54Gene Inc, a biotechnology company based in Nigeria with a focus on African genomics. Under his leadership, the company reached an estimated valuation close to $200 million prior to his departure.
Biography
Abasi was born on 20 June 1985 to Prof Mrs Henrietta Nkechi Ene-Obong and the late Prof. Ene-Obong Effiom Ene-Obong, and he grew up in Nsukka, Nigeria. Both of his parents are members of the Nigerian Academy of Science. His father held the position of vice chancellor at University of Cross River State and also served as a traditional ruler in Calabar.
In 2003, Abasi commenced his undergraduate education at University of Calabar, Nigeria, where he graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics and Biotechnology. He subsequently pursued a master's degree in human molecular genetics at Imperial College London, UK. By 2013, he had obtained a PhD in Cancer Biology from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Additionally, he completed a master's degree in business management at Keck Graduate Institute, part of the Claremont Colleges in the United States, in 2014.
Career
Between 2009 and 2013, Abasi conducted research at both King's College London and the Barts Cancer Institute within Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. His work has been published in prominent scientific journals such as Gastroenterology, Cell, and Nature. Notably, in 2013 he authored an influential study on pancreatic cancer immunology published in the Gastroenterology journal. In 2021, he contributed as co-author to the "Voices of biotech" edition for Nature Biotech, alongside renowned figures including Bill Gates and Jennifer Doudna.
From 2013 to 2014, Abasi provided consultancy services for companies such as Panasonic and Gilead Sciences. He then took on the role of research director and consultant at IMS Health (now known as IQVIA) in the United States from 2014 to 2015. Following this, he worked as a senior associate and healthcare industry advisor at PricewaterhouseCoopers until August 2016. In 2017, Abasi acted as Lead Consultant for Nigeria’s Strategic Health Development Plan at Pathfinder International, based locally in Nigeria.
54Gene
In 2019, Abasi launched 54gene in Nigeria alongside Ogochukwu Osifo, Damilola Oni, and Gatumi Aliyu with the goal of addressing the lack of African genomic representation in global research by creating a premier biobank dedicated to African genetic data. He held the CEO position until October 2022. During 2020, the company successfully secured $15 million through a Series A funding round led by Adjuvant Capital aimed at expanding its research capabilities and clinical programs. Backed by investors including Y Combinator, 54gene raised a total of $45 million over three financing rounds, establishing itself as a pioneer in African genomics efforts. In September 2020, Abasi was inducted into the global network of Endeavor Entrepreneurs alongside other Nigerian startups.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, 54gene established COVID-19 testing laboratories and mobile testing units within Nigeria, becoming one of the nation’s leading providers for such services. However, due to reduced testing demand, the company implemented workforce reductions amounting to approximately 30% in August 2022. Abasi stepped down as CEO in October 2022, with Teresia L. Bost appointed as interim CEO thereafter.
Syndicate Bio
In September 2023, Abasi founded Syndicate Bio, a health tech enterprise focused on advancing genomics and precision medicine across multiple regions, beginning with Africa to tackle healthcare inequalities worldwide. The company collaborates with governments, pharmaceutical firms, academic institutions, and other key partners to enhance the impact of localized precision medicine. By October 2023, Syndicate Bio had formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). In April 2024, it partnered with Sophia Genetics to roll out extensive genomic profiling and liquid biopsy solutions throughout Africa.
Scientific contributions with 54gene
Since its inception in 2019, Abasi’s 54gene has been building a pan-African DNA biobank, amassing more than 300,000 distinct human samples and genomic datasets by 2022. He also established the African Center for Translational Genomics (ACTG), a non-profit organization that offers funding, fellowships, and educational programs to promote genetic research continent-wide. In February 2020, 54gene joined forces with Nigerian researchers to investigate the genetic factors behind non-communicable diseases prevalent in Nigeria.
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Abasi significantly increased Nigeria’s testing capabilities via 54gene by initiating a $500,000 funding pool; the company contributed $150,000 upfront and secured an additional $350,000 from partners such as Union Bank. Beginning in April 2020, 54gene deployed mobile laboratories—fully outfitted container units—to expedite sample analysis and address logistical barriers.
Memberships
- Board of Trustees Member at Society for Family Health Nigeria (2021–present)
- Member of the International Cancer Coalition (2022–present)
- Participant in Bloomberg New Economy Forum on Health (2022–present)
Recognitions
2019: Listed among Africa’s top 30 most innovative entrepreneurs by Quartz.
2020: Featured in Fortune's 40 under 40 influential healthcare leaders. 2020: Honored as a Nigeria Hero for contributions to COVID-19 response by This Day.
2021: Named one of the 100 most influential young Africans by Avance Media. 2021: Awarded Technology Pioneer status by World Economic Forum. 2021: Selected as a Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum. 2021: Recognized as a New Economy Catalyst by Bloomberg.
2022: Ranked among Endpoint News’ Top 20 biotech leaders under 40.
Personal life
Abasi is married to Ini Dima-Okojie. Their civil wedding took place on May 19, 2022, followed by a traditional ceremony on May 21, 2022, held in Lagos, Nigeria.