In a groundbreaking appeal to Nigeria’s medical and scientific communities, US-trained biomolecular scientist Mustapha Olatunji has called for the urgent adoption of RNA-based treatment approaches to tackle rare genetic diseases, especially sickle cell disease—a condition that affects millions across the country. Olatunji, who is currently completing his PhD in Biochemistry at Florida International University, believes Nigeria is on the brink of a biomedical revolution that could significantly transform care for genetic disorders if it embraces modern RNA therapies.

RNA Therapies: A Turning Point in Nigeria’s Medical Future

Speaking in an interview to mark the 2025 World Rare Disease Day, Olatunji emphasized that RNA-based medicine holds the key to resolving the root causes of diseases like sickle cell anemia, rather than merely managing symptoms. For decades, Nigeria has focused its approach to sickle cell disease on pain relief, antibiotics, and occasional blood transfusions. Yet, according to Olatunji, these measures fall short of addressing the underlying genetic mutations that drive the condition.

“Nigeria has the highest number of people living with sickle cell disease in the world, yet most treatments here are limited to painkillers, antibiotics, and occasional blood transfusions,” he said. “Bone marrow transplants, which can cure the disease, are costly and not widely accessible. But with RNA-based therapies, we have a chance to fix the problem at the genetic level using the body’s own repair systems.”

This innovative direction, he explained, relies on understanding and manipulating the body’s natural RNA-mediated DNA repair mechanisms—a concept gaining traction in advanced biomedical research worldwide.

DNA Damage and RNA’s Role in Repair

Drawing from his own research on the interactions between DNA and RNA, Olatunji explained that human cells experience thousands of DNA lesions every day. Fortunately, cells are equipped with a robust repair system, and RNA plays a crucial role in guiding this repair process.

“RNA does more than just carry genetic instructions,” Olatunji noted. “In cases of DNA damage, cells generate specific types of RNA that help signal and guide repair tools to the site. By leveraging this system, we can potentially design therapies that enhance DNA repair and offer long-term relief to patients.”

Such an approach, he believes, has implications far beyond sickle cell disease. Conditions like thalassaemia, muscular dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa—also prevalent among Nigerians—could be targeted using tailored RNA therapies that restore the genetic integrity of affected cells.

The Challenge of Undiagnosed Rare Diseases

Olatunji’s remarks also shed light on Nigeria’s broader health challenges in managing rare diseases. Due to poor awareness, limited diagnostic infrastructure, and minimal investment in medical research, countless Nigerians with rare genetic disorders remain undiagnosed or inadequately treated.

He warned that without urgent reforms, many patients will continue to suffer in obscurity. “Rare diseases remain largely underdiagnosed and undertreated in Nigeria. This is due to a combination of factors—lack of awareness, inadequate diagnostic capabilities, and insufficient funding for health research,” he lamented.

To change this narrative, Olatunji urged the Federal Government to increase funding for medical research, establish cutting-edge biomedical research centers, and facilitate the local development of RNA-based treatments tailored to Nigeria’s unique healthcare needs.

Building a Collaborative and Research-Oriented Health Ecosystem

Olatunji outlined a multi-pronged strategy to elevate Nigeria’s capacity in biomedical science. First, researchers across universities and hospitals must engage in collaborative research initiatives. Second, diagnostic laboratories should be equipped with advanced tools to identify rare genetic conditions early. Finally, healthcare professionals need better training to recognize and manage these diseases.

According to him, “If Nigeria can develop strong institutional support, we have the scientific talent to be a leader in RNA-based medicine. But it requires serious commitment, from research funding to educational reform and infrastructure investment.”

mRNA Vaccines Open Door to RNA Medicine’s Promise

Olatunji pointed to the global success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic as a pivotal moment that demonstrated the potential of RNA technologies. The rapid development and deployment of these vaccines have proven RNA’s effectiveness in therapeutic applications and ignited fresh interest in RNA as a platform for addressing more complex diseases.

“In the next five to ten years, I believe RNA therapies will be used not just for rare diseases, but also for cancer, brain disorders, and immune conditions,” he projected.

He praised World Rare Disease Day, observed annually on the last day of February, for drawing global attention to the struggles faced by patients living with overlooked and under-researched conditions. According to Olatunji, these observances are vital in pushing for policy changes and encouraging innovation in treatment strategies.

“RNA treatments are among the most promising innovations in science today. We’re just scratching the surface of their potential. For Nigerians living with rare diseases, these breakthroughs represent more than just hope—they could be the start of a cure,” he said.

From Lagos to the Lab: A Nigerian Scientist’s Journey

Olatunji’s passion for advancing genetic therapies is deeply rooted in his academic and professional background. He began his journey in biomedical science at the University of Lagos and later worked at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. His exposure to Nigeria’s healthcare challenges shaped his vision to pursue advanced research abroad and find solutions applicable back home.

Now on the verge of completing his doctoral studies in the United States, he remains committed to using his expertise to transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. He sees RNA-based medicine not just as a scientific advancement but as a national necessity for countries like Nigeria that face an overwhelming burden of genetic diseases.

A Call to Action

Olatunji’s message is clear: Nigeria must not wait on the sidelines of the RNA revolution. The country’s public health system, academic institutions, and policymakers must embrace RNA-based research and invest in a future where diseases are treated at the genetic level.

“Science is evolving rapidly,” he said. “We have the tools. We have the minds. What we need now is the will—political, institutional, and financial—to act.”

As Nigeria joins the world in marking Rare Disease Day, the call by one of its brightest young scientists offers a path forward—one rooted in innovation, science, and a vision of hope for millions.