In a move set to boost local manufacturing and healthcare delivery, Nigerian biotechnology company Codix Bio Ltd has entered into a landmark agreement with global diagnostics giant SD Biosensor to produce Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits based on the latter’s proprietary technology.
Under the terms of the agreement, Codix Bio will obtain full legal manufacturing rights, including access to critical technical know-how and materials required to produce the diagnostic kits in Nigeria. The deal positions Codix Bio as the authorized local manufacturer of RDTs derived from SD Biosensor’s advanced diagnostic platform.
The partnership is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s self-reliance in medical diagnostics, especially in the rapid detection of infectious diseases such as malaria, COVID-19, and other public health threats. With growing demand for affordable and accessible testing, the localized production of these kits is likely to reduce costs, enhance distribution across healthcare facilities, and improve response times during health emergencies.
Speaking on the agreement, a representative of Codix Bio described it as a “milestone for Nigeria’s biotechnology landscape,” stating that the initiative will not only bolster health outcomes but also promote technology transfer, job creation, and scientific capacity building within the country.
Health sector stakeholders have welcomed the development, noting that it aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing push for increased local content in pharmaceutical and diagnostic production. Experts also believe the partnership could serve as a model for future collaborations between Nigerian firms and global technology leaders.
SD Biosensor, headquartered in South Korea, is recognized worldwide for its innovative diagnostic solutions and played a critical role in supplying test kits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s decision to license its RDT technology to a Nigerian firm underscores growing confidence in Nigeria’s potential as a manufacturing hub for medical technologies in Africa.
The first batch of locally manufactured test kits is expected to roll out in the coming months, pending final regulatory approvals and production scaling.
