Rwanda Development Board and Bio Usawa Inc. on November 21 announced a partnership to establish Rwanda’s first manufacturing plant for affordable treatments for serious eye diseases like diabetic macular edema.

Bio Usawa Inc. is a US based company at the forefront of transforming healthcare access across Africa through the local production and distribution of affordable monoclonal antibodies.

Diabetic macular edema occurs when the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision becomes swollen due to fluid leakage from damaged or fragile blood vessels.

It is estimated that 7–10% of individuals with diabetes develop diabetic macular edema, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.

According to a related statement, while effective mAb biosimilars for diabetic macular edema are approved in high-income countries, their availability in African nations is extremely limited, despite the rise of diabetes cases reaching pandemic proportions.

As noted, this facility, the first of its kind in Rwanda, will pave the way for local, end-to-end manufacturing of biosimilars that are affordable, high-quality, and accessible to all. Production of the first biosimilar from this facility is expected within 18-24 months.

Menghis Bairu, the Chief Executive Officer of Bio Usawa, said: "Our long-term goal is clear: to build biomanufacturing capacity across Africa, by Africans and for Africans, ensuring that no patient is denied life-saving therapies due to prohibitive costs. With this partnership, Bio Usawa aims to make treatments for serious eye diseases accessible and affordable, aligning with Rwanda’s strategic position as a healthcare hub in East Africa.

"We are immensely grateful to the Government of Rwanda for its steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare and are excited about the path ahead. Together, we look forward to transforming healthcare access across the continent and bringing affordable biologics closer to home."

Francis Gatare, Rwanda Development Board's Chief Executive Officer, remarked: "This partnership with Bio Usawa represents a significant step in advancing Rwanda's healthcare sector and regional innovation.

"By establishing the first facility for monoclonal antibody-based biosimilars in the country, we are addressing critical healthcare challenges, including access to life-saving treatments like those for Diabetic Macular Oedema."

This collaboration reaffirms Rwanda's commitment to improving healthcare access and building local capacity, ensuring sustainable solutions for Africa by Africans, Gatare said.