Ugandan scientist Matthias Magoola announced at a Durban health conference that his company secured patents for messenger RNA vaccines targeting Ebola and Mpox. Dei BioPharma developed and tested both treatments independently, marking the first time Africa has created next-generation immunizations without foreign assistance.
The biochemist told Africa Centres for Disease Control delegates that the technology allows rapid manufacturing without live virus components. His Matugga facility, located outside Kampala, aims to become the continent's primary drug production organization and help Africa generate 60 percent of its vaccines locally within seven years, rather than by 2040.
Science Minister Monica Musenero questioned whether importing all manufacturing materials constitutes genuine production. Africa CDC Deputy Director Raji Tajudeen noted the continent makes less than one percent of the vaccines it uses.
Magoola filed more than 100 patents across disease categories and plans to manufacture treatments for Marburg and Lassa fever. The completed plant will supply African nations from refrigerated trucks, rather than relying on emergency shipments from Western countries.
The biochemist told Africa Centres for Disease Control delegates that the technology allows rapid manufacturing without live virus components. His Matugga facility, located outside Kampala, aims to become the continent's primary drug production organization and help Africa generate 60 percent of its vaccines locally within seven years, rather than by 2040.
Science Minister Monica Musenero questioned whether importing all manufacturing materials constitutes genuine production. Africa CDC Deputy Director Raji Tajudeen noted the continent makes less than one percent of the vaccines it uses.
Magoola filed more than 100 patents across disease categories and plans to manufacture treatments for Marburg and Lassa fever. The completed plant will supply African nations from refrigerated trucks, rather than relying on emergency shipments from Western countries.
