February Edition 2025


“We dream big. We invent bigger. And, most importantly, we often do what many thought was impossible”: Dr. Matthias Magoola, Managing Director of Dei BioPharma

Business Fortune

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries play a pivotal role in improving human and animal health by developing life-saving medicines, vaccines, and treatments for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. These industries rely on cutting-edge biological and chemical research, creating opportunities for scientists, engineers, doctors, marketers, and business professionals. There are many such companies, but those who innovate will leave a huge impact in the world of biotechnology, particularly in regions like Africa.

One such pioneer in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector is Dei BioPharma. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Matthias Magoola, the company is revolutionizing healthcare in Africa by providing affordable, high-quality drugs and vaccines for diseases such as cancer, malaria, and other infectious illnesses. With a 150-acre production facility, which values about $1 billion, in Uganda’s Wakiso District, Dei BioPharma is making a huge impact both locally and globally, and it is this standalone feature that makes the facility one-of-its-kind.

Dr. Magoola, a biochemist with over 100 US patents, has driven the company's innovations, and played a huge role in earning it a spot at the 2024 ‘African Excellence Awards’. Through cutting-edge research and commitment to accessible healthcare, Dr. Magoola and Dei BioPharma are poised to transform the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, both in Africa and worldwide. The total valuation for Dei BioPharma currently is over $2 billion and has over 100 patents for treatment of different diseases filed in the USA, under its name.

In an exclusive interview with Business Fortune, Dr. Matthias Magoola, Founder and Managing Director, spoke about Dei BioPharma's innovative contributions to global healthcare. He also discussed the company's plans to transform healthcare with its $1.1 billion facility in Uganda, highlighting its accomplishments, and how the company is poised to revolutionize healthcare innovation on a global scale.

An Advanced Manufacturing Establishment

As mentioned prior, Dei BioPharma’s 150-acre, $1.1 billion complex has the most state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology for manufacturing vaccines, biologics, and other vital medications. The President of Uganda Mr. Yoweri Museveni and then-Kenyan’s Vice President (now President) Mr. William Ruto opened the manufacturing plant in 2021 in Uganda.

Twelve specialist units in the production facility are devoted to different therapeutic fields, such as monoclonal antibodies, malaria, oncology (cancer), generics, penicillin, vaccines, and much more. The facility is built to the highest international standards, such as those set by the US FDA, EU EMA, and WHO, guaranteeing the finest quality medications. Dr. Magoola characterizes this facility's significance as revolutionary, saying, “This massive investment will provide immediate employment for Africa and lead research and manufacturing in traditional medicines.”

The plant's capability to create mRNA-based vaccinations, a ground-breaking technique that has transformed the worldwide battle against COVID-19, makes it unique. In addition to developing vaccinations, Dei BioPharma is also employing mRNA technology to develop reasonably priced biological medications that have the potential to treat illnesses that have historically been thought to be costly or difficult to cure.

Dr. Magoola's Innovative Research: Promoting Global Healthcare and Therapeutic Innovations

Dr. Magoola’s work on renowned advanced therapies has been published by the leading scientific publication houses. His well-known articles include "Advances in Escherichia coli-Based Therapeutic Protein Production," "Synergistic Approaches in Neurodegenerative Therapeutics: Multi-Target Drug Innovations for Alzheimer's Disease," and "mRNA and Synthesis-Based Therapeutic Proteins: A Cost-Effective Alternative." These publications have been published in prestigious US and European journals after undergoing a thorough review process.

Here are some of his other publications in respected and peer reviewed journals: Harnessing T-cell Immunity for Vaccines, Microbiome Impact on Neurological and Autoimmune Disorders, Advances in Escherichia coli-Based Therapeutic Protein Expression, mRNA and Synthesis-Based Therapeutic Proteins, Synergistic Approaches in Neurodegenerative Therapeutics, Innovative Therapeutic Strategies in Alzheimer’s Disease, Engineered Antibodies to Improve Efficacy against Neurodegenerative Disorders, and Unlocking the Future of Drug Development.

Innovating with Nature: The Malaria Cure

One of Dei BioPharma’s most revolutionary accomplishments is its breakthrough in the treatment of malaria. Using natural herbs, the business has created a revolutionary therapy for malaria that may be administered in as little as three days. By using Africa's abundant biodiversity, this development establishes Uganda as a global center for research on plant-based medicines. The business is developing medicines for a broad spectrum of illnesses, including cancer, infectious disorders, antibiotic resistance, and other viral infections. Developing life-saving biologics, vaccines (Includes Inactivated Vaccines, Messenger RNA (mRNA), Live-attenuated vaccines, Conjugate vaccines, Toxoid vaccines, Viral vector vaccines), and treatments for a variety of illnesses, such as cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune diseases, is part of Dei BioPharma's dedication to harnessing nature's resources for medical advancements. Through the integration of modern scientific methods with traditional African medicine, Dei BioPharma is transforming healthcare and establishing itself as a frontrunner in the worldwide battle against illness.

Dr. Magoola believes that Uganda, where the company is based, has the potential to become the global center of excellence for drug discovery using plants and herbs. As he shares, “Just as Uganda discovered malaria compounds, it is expected that, with the work of Dei BioPharma, the country will become the very center of excellence for drug discovery using plants and herbs in the world, since 70% of all biodiversity is found in the region.”

Reaching New Heights and Expanding Global Presence

Dei BioPharma. reached a major milestone in May of this year when the National Drug Authority (NDA) awarded it a historic license to start producing medications at its cutting-edge facilities. This accomplishment is a significant milestone in the company's quest to transform healthcare not just in Africa, but globally. Major pharmaceutical companies are showing interest in partnering with Dei BioPharma, which has already filed a patent for its malaria treatment in the United States. “Our competitors are not in Africa but the developed world. Even in the developed world, our competitors are happily collaborating with us! Because our technologies are not only changing Africa, but the globe!” said Dr. Magoola emphasizes. With its innovative ideas, the company is establishing itself as a major force in tackling global issues such as antibiotic resistance.

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Encouraging Innovation and Impact Worldwide through Cooperation and Corporate Social Responsibility

Working with some of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world, Dei BioPharma is growing its worldwide presence while keeping a close eye on Africa. International players have taken notice of the company's creative approach to drug development, especially in the areas of biologics, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins, and big pharmaceutical companies are keen to work with them. Notably, Dei BioPharma has taken a big stride toward worldwide influence by filing over100 patents for its malaria treatment in the US. As Dr. Matthias Magoola emphasizes, “We dream big. We invent bigger. And, most importantly, we often do what many thought was impossible.”

Apart from its scientific achievements, Dei BioPharma is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals in marginalized African communities, particularly in the areas of health, education, water, and sanitation. To have a significant impact, the business makes use of its resources, which include marketing, human resources, and research. Dei BioPharma's Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policy demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and guarantees that its activities are carried out in an ethical manner. Its dedication to environmental and social responsibility is further demonstrated by the fact that its facilities meet the highest international standards, such as ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications.

Dr. Magoola’s vision for Dei BioPharma is clear: “As a brand, we are committed to generating and creating opportunities that will uplift, transform, and enhance the lives of our consumers across different industries, keeping in mind the changing needs and trends of our era.” This dedication to both innovation and social responsibility positions Dei BioPharma as a leader in global healthcare.

Awards & Achievements

Dr. Matthias Magoola is an innovator who is transforming and redefining the healthcare sector. He is dedicated to making life-saving treatments accessible to all. With over 100 patents filed with the US FDA, his work has changed lives worldwide.

Recently, Dr. Magoola won the prestigious “Best Researcher Award” at the ‘International Molecular Biologist Awards’ for his groundbreaking vaccine research. Using mRNA technology, Dr. Magoola has made vaccines and therapeutic drugs more affordable, offering hope to millions in developing nations.

His study, Advancing Therapeutic and Vaccine Proteins: Switching from Recombinant to Ribosomal Delivery—A Humanitarian Cause, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, highlights how ribosomes can reduce production costs while maintaining quality. This innovative approach could transform global healthcare sector.

Dr. Magoola credited his team at Dei BioPharma for their support, saying, “This award inspires us to keep working toward affordable medicine and empowering developing countries to produce their own treatments.”

From his early days studying Industrial Chemistry at Makerere University Kampala to earning a PhD at European International University, Dr. Magoola has always pushed boundaries. His recent work on Alzheimer’s therapies, published in Pharmaceuticals, shows his commitment to solving major health challenges.

Dr. Magoola has also been nominated and confirmed a full member of Sigma Xi, a prestigious society that brings top world scientists together.

Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi goals aim to honour excellence in scientific investigation and encourage cooperation among researchers in all fields of science and engineering. Many of the world’s most influential scientists have been members of Sigma Xi, such as Albert Einstein, Linus Pauling, Barbara McClintock, and Sally Ride.

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A Bright Future Ahead

Dei BioPharma is positioned to become one of the most significant businesses in the global pharmaceutical sector because of its innovative biotech activities. Under the innovative direction of Dr. Matthias Magoola, the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is poised to create vaccinations and life-saving medications that will enhance the lives of millions of people globally.

It is evident that Dei BioPharma is headed toward being a major player in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors on a worldwide scale as it keeps innovating and growing its business. Dei BioPharma is not only influencing the future of healthcare in Africa but also leaving a lasting impression on the international scene with its emphasis on accessible healthcare, innovative research, and sustainable practices. "We are dedicated to continuous improvement and the pursuit of new and better ways to meet the needs of our patients and customers,” says Dr. Matthias Magoola—and it appears that the future of healthcare is more promising than ever with this mindset. The firm is a genuine trendsetter in the biotechnology industry because of its dedication to quality, innovation, and social responsibility.

Dr. Matthias Magoola: A Visionary Leader

The genius behind Dei BioPharma's revolutionary success is Dr. Matthias Magoola, the company's Founder and Managing Director. A successful scientist and inventor with experience in mining, medical, and pharmaceuticals, established Dei Group in 2006 and set the groundwork for Dei BioPharma. His entrepreneurial zeal was sparked by his previous position as a consultant for Uganda's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

Dr. Magoola founded Dei BioPharma with the goal of developing life-saving, reasonably priced medications for both Africa and the rest of the globe. Under his direction, the business has submitted more than 100 US patents applications for therapies that address conditions including malaria, neurological disorders, and cancer. He is well-known worldwide for his contributions to therapeutic protein expression, monoclonal antibodies, and mRNA therapeutics in the biotech industry.

“Our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant with a massive investment will provide immediate employment for Africa and lead research and manufacturing in traditional medicines.”

 

“With the work of Dei BioPharma, the country will become the very center of excellence for drug discovery using plants and herbs in the world, since 70% of all biodiversity is found in the region.”


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