Ugandan scientist and entrepreneur Dr Matthias Magoola has received one of India’s highest honours in the biopharmaceutical sector, the Pharma Ratna Universe Award, in recognition of his pioneering work in drug and vaccine development.
The award, considered among the most prestigious in India’s healthcare industry, was presented during a ceremony held on 20 April at the Taj Skyline in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Ms Olivia Kemigisa, Head of Human Capital at Dei Biopharma Ltd, received the accolade on Dr Magoola’s behalf.
In a citation read during the event, the organisers hailed Dr Magoola as “a man who made the whole of Africa proud with his visionary approach.” They credited him with building Dei Biopharma Ltd — now valued at $2.5 billion — from the ground up.
“His vision is to make Africa free from malaria and other dreaded diseases,” the citation continued. “He owns Africa’s largest Pharmaceutical & Biotech Company.”
Founded in Uganda, Dei Biopharma Ltd has become a major player in pharmaceutical innovation on the continent, with a portfolio that includes vaccines and treatments for cancer, HIV, malaria, and Alzheimer’s. The firm is currently constructing a multi-billion-dollar production facility in Matugga, near Kampala.
Dr Magoola has so far filed more than 100 patents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), underscoring his ambition to position Uganda at the forefront of global medical innovation.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Dei Biopharma CEO Hitesh Upreti described the recognition as a tribute to “the spirit of innovation, resilience, and purpose that Dr Magoola embodies.”
“We are even more committed now — to rise higher, reach farther, and serve better,” he said.
Global Recognition and Local Support
The award comes just days after Dr Magoola met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Entebbe, where they discussed regulatory reforms aimed at enabling Uganda to license locally produced vaccines for international use.
President Museveni pledged to expedite the National Drug and Health Products Act, which would allow Uganda’s National Drug Authority to attain WHO Maturity Level 3 status — a key requirement for global vaccine approvals.
The President also committed to supporting the energy needs of Dei Biopharma’s 12 sterile production facilities, which require 8MW of electricity to operate effectively.
“Without his dedicated support, we wouldn’t be achieving these milestones,” said Dr Magoola. “These achievements are for Uganda — and especially for our dear President, for he has always stood up for the scientists in this country.”
Breakthrough Cancer Treatment
In a notable scientific development, the USPTO on 6 February 2025 published Dr Magoola’s patent for a novel guided RNA-based cancer therapy. The treatment, which builds on CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, is designed to destroy cancer cells by preventing the repair of mutated genes — without harming healthy tissue.
Unlike traditional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation, which can damage healthy cells, Dr Magoola’s invention offers the possibility of targeted treatment for all types of cancer, regardless of stage.
“This is a significant step forward in cancer treatment,” Dr Magoola said. “It represents years of work and the potential to eliminate cancer without the severe side effects patients typically endure.”
Tackling Livestock Disease
Earlier this year, on 7 January 2025, the USPTO also accepted a patent application by Dei Biopharma for the world’s first universal vaccine against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) — a major livestock threat in Uganda and beyond.
The innovation, titled “Affordable Universal Fusion Universal Vaccine for Foot and Mouth Disease Infections,” is expected to reduce Uganda’s dependence on costly imported vaccines and save billions in public expenditure.
