Joshua Oduyemi, a Nigerian-American venture capitalist and businessman, is leading a groundbreaking effort to combat cancer and autoimmune diseases through AbbeGen, a next-generation biopharmaceutical company he founded.
With a focus on innovative therapies such as CAR-T cell therapies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and small molecules, AbbeGen is positioning itself as a leader in the global fight against these diseases.
The company is determined to expand access to life-saving treatments, particularly in underserved regions.
AbbeGen’s cutting-edge approach uses advanced technologies like CAR-T, which modifies a patient’s immune cells to fight cancer, and ADCs that combine monoclonal antibodies with chemotherapy to provide targeted treatment with minimal damage to healthy tissues.
Small molecules, developed to disrupt disease processes at a cellular level, offer a new avenue to treat once-difficult conditions.
As the General Partner and Group CEO of Sheatrust Capital, Oduyemi brings significant expertise in both venture capital and the pharmaceutical sector. His vision for AbbeGen is centered around revolutionizing the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disorders, making these therapies available to both developed and underserved regions of the world.
In an interview with Vanguard, Oduyemi outlined the company’s unique mission: “We are not just developing medicines—we’re building bridges to health equity. From day one, the goal was to design therapies capable of treating aggressive cancers and complex autoimmune diseases while ensuring these treatments are accessible in places that are often left behind in medical innovation, especially in parts of Africa.”
Brian Warner, CEO of AbbeGen, highlighted the company’s scientific approach and global focus: “What excites me about AbbeGen is its blend of scientific rigor and global compassion. Our drug development programs are driven by solid preclinical science and a regulatory approach that allows us to move quickly, not only in the U.S. and Europe but also in emerging markets like West Africa, where we are laying the groundwork for future clinical trials.”
Oduyemi added that AbbeGen’s goal is not merely to treat symptoms but to eradicate the root causes of diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
“With our therapies, we’re focusing on precision and effectiveness, offering a more targeted way to treat these diseases. Our vision is to improve the lives of patients globally, especially in regions with limited access to advanced medical treatments.”
One key aspect of AbbeGen’s approach is its focus on partnerships. Oduyemi emphasized the importance of working with healthcare providers, governments, and local organizations to ensure that treatments are not only effective but also affordable and accessible.
These partnerships will play a pivotal role in making AbbeGen’s therapies available worldwide, including in regions like Africa, where cancer and autoimmune diseases are on the rise.
“Healthcare systems vary across the globe, but the need for effective cancer and autoimmune treatments is universal,” said Oduyemi. “We are working on scalable solutions that can adapt to different markets, with the aim of reducing the disease burden globally, especially in historically underserved regions.”
AbbeGen is preparing for Phase 1 clinical trials of its lead CAR-T therapy, ABG-101, scheduled to begin in early 2026.
IND-enabling studies are already in progress, and the company is in talks with regulatory authorities in the U.S., EU, and select African nations to align trial designs with global safety and efficacy standards.
Looking to the future, Oduyemi plans to expand AbbeGen’s portfolio and increase the company’s global presence.
His vision is to reshape the future of cancer and autoimmune disease treatment, with an emphasis on innovation, accessibility, and global health equity.
“We believe in the power of targeted treatments, whether through CAR-T, ADCs, or small molecules,” Oduyemi stated. “In regions like Africa, where cancer and autoimmune diseases are increasing, we aim to provide affordable and effective options to fight these diseases head-on.”
AbbeGen’s commitment to advancing global healthcare, paired with Oduyemi’s leadership, has positioned the company as a promising player in the pharmaceutical industry, one with the potential to transform the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases worldwide.
