The National Development Agency (RDB) has signed an agreement with Bio Usawa Inc., with the aim of building a pharmaceutical company that treats serious eye diseases, including diabetes. Statistics show that from 7%-10% of diabetic patients are at risk of suffering from this disease known as "diabetic macular edema" which can lead to permanent vision loss.
In order for a diabetic patient to reach the level of losing the ability to see clearly, it is due to the fact that there are damaged cells that cause the cells to enter the center of the eye.
The information on the Bio Usawa website shows that the agreement was signed on November 21, 2024, which includes that the factory to be built in Rwanda will be used for the treatment of diabetic eye diseases.
It is expected that the first medicine produced in this factory that meets the quality and is approved by the American Agency for the Quality of Medicines FDA, will reach the market in a period between 18 months and two years.
Medicines for this disease that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are not easily available in Africa and are very expensive.
The CEO of Bio Usawa, Menghis Bairu, said that their main goal is to promote the production of medicine in Africa, made by Africans and for Africans, and to ensure that no one is deprived of the right to medicine due to high prices.
He said, "Through this partnership, Bio Usawa aims to make medicines for serious eye diseases available to everyone at a low cost, in line with Rwanda's plan to be a medical hub in East Africa."
“We are grateful to the Government of Rwanda for its decision to take the lead in improving healthcare and we are excited about the journey ahead.
Together, we will improve access to healthcare on the continent and bring medicine closer to people.”
The CEO of RDB, Francis Gatare expressed that the collaboration with Bio Usawa is an important step in developing the medical sector in Rwanda and promoting innovation in the region.
He said, "By building a pharmaceutical factory in Rwanda, we are solving major medical problems, including bringing life-saving treatment to people with Diabetic Macular Oedema.
This partnership further demonstrates Rwanda's commitment to improving healthcare and building domestic capacity in order to find sustainable solutions for Africans, made by themselves."
Bio Usawa Inc. is an American company committed to improving the healthcare sector in Africa through the development of affordable medicines and vaccines.
