Dei BioPharma’s Dr. Magoola publishes ground-breaking paper on RNA-based cancer therapy

June 12, 2025 in Science and Technology by Editor

Dei-Biopharma Ltd founder and managing director Dr. Matthias Magoola, has published a landmark scientific paper in the internationally renowned, peer-reviewed journal Cancers, offering fresh insights into the future of cancer treatment through RNA-based technologies and CAR-T cell immunotherapy.

The paper, titled “Current Progress and Future Perspectives of RNA-Based Cancer Vaccines: A 2025 Update”, appears in Cancers (2025), Volume 17, Issue 11. It underscores the promise of RNA-based vaccines in oncology and highlights innovative therapies that could reshape global cancer treatment standards.

Dei Biopharma is investing in novel research and holds over 100 patents filed in the United States that cover its technology. One such technology involves the prevention and treatment of cancer using CAR-T cell immunotherapy, which was recently tested by Legend Biotech and Johnson & Johnson for treating myeloma. This approach was reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and presented at the annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. However, the cost of this treatment exceeds $500,000 per patient.

In contrast, under Patent No. US 2025/0043258, published on February 6, 2025, by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Dei Biopharma has developed a general form of therapy that targets all types of myeloma and other cancers. It works by striking common defective genes rather than patient-specific ones. Once these genes are blocked, the cancer cells are destroyed. This therapy is expected to cost less than $100 per patient, potentially revolutionising cancer treatment.

By focusing on universal gene targets, this innovation is poised to dramatically improve the affordability and accessibility of cancer care worldwide.

“By focusing on common genetic pathways in myeloma and other cancers, we’ve designed a treatment that is not only effective but truly affordable,” Dr. Magoola said.

This landmark publication adds to a string of international accolades recently awarded to Dr. Magoola. On April 25, 2025, he was honoured in Accra, Ghana, with the African Excellence & Personality Award (ACEPA) for his visionary contributions to healthcare innovation and economic transformation in Africa. The award followed his recognition at the 2025 Ratna Pharma Awards in India and the International Molecular Biologist Awards in December 2024, where he was named Best Researcher for pioneering work in mRNA therapeutics and protein vaccine development.

According to the ACEPA Secretariat, Dr. Magoola’s recognition is a testament to “transformational leadership and groundbreaking innovations in key sectors vital to Africa’s development.”

Under his leadership, Dei Biopharma Ltd—duly incorporated in Uganda—has emerged as a continental leader in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing. The company is currently developing a state-of-the-art, multi-billion-dollar drug and vaccine production facility in Matugga, just outside Kampala. Its research portfolio includes over 100 patents filed with the USPTO for therapeutic interventions against diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, sickle cell disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

In another recent breakthrough, the USPTO published a patent by Dr. Magoola in January 2025 for the world’s first universal vaccine against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a major livestock ailment. The vaccine, titled “Affordable Universal Fusion Vaccine for Foot and Mouth Disease Infections,” is projected to save governments billions by reducing reliance on imported animal vaccines.

Dr. Magoola attributes much of his success to the ongoing support of the Ugandan government, especially President Yoweri Museveni.

“We are grateful for the support from the government, and especially His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, for his unwavering backing of Ugandan scientists and in particular the Dei Biopharma initiative. Without this leadership, our progress would not have been possible,” he said.

In his State-of-the-Nation Address, President Museveni listed Dei Biopharma as one of Uganda’s flagship investments in the emerging pathogenic economy. At a meeting with Dr. Magoola’s team on April 13, 2025, the President pledged full support to accelerate licensing of locally produced vaccines for global use. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fast-track the National Drug and Health Products Act, a crucial step for the National Drug Authority (NDA) to attain WHO Maturity Level 3 status, enabling international regulatory recognition of Ugandan-made vaccines.