President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has applauded Ugandan scientist Dr. Mathias Magoola for securing a United States patent for an innovative cancer treatment.
Dr. Magoola, the Founder and Managing Director of Dei BioPharma Ltd, briefed the President at State House, Entebbe, about the patented invention, which offers a targeted, non-invasive alternative to traditional cancer therapies. The United States Patent and Trademark Office officially granted the patent on February 6, 2025.
President Museveni praised Dr. Magoola for his scientific breakthrough, noting that his innovations extend beyond cancer treatment and include solutions for HIV and sickle cell disease. “Dr. Magoola has developed medical solutions that not only target cancer but also offer treatment for HIV and sickle cell,” the President said.
During the meeting, Dr. Magoola explained that the patented treatment uses a guided RNA attached to the Cas9 protein to precisely target and destroy mutated genes responsible for cancer, without harming healthy cells.
“This invention presents the first treatment of cancer using a guided RNA-Cas9 complex that disrupts mutated genes and prevents them from repairing, thereby killing the cancerous cells,” Dr. Magoola told the President.
He emphasized that unlike conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, which often damage healthy cells, his innovation is designed to reduce side effects while improving treatment outcomes for all cancer types and stages.
Dr. Magoola revealed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already requested an approval plan for the treatment, with clinical trials expected to commence before the end of the year. “All details of the manufacturing of this product have been completed and are ready to go for testing,” he noted.
Highlighting the potential impact of the treatment, Dr. Magoola said the global burden of cancer is expected to reach 35 million new cases annually by 2030, and that his innovation is designed to offer a cost-effective and accessible alternative, especially for developing countries.
“This invention is not just a scientific breakthrough, it is a humanitarian contribution aimed at eradicating cancer globally,” Dr. Magoola said. The treatment is expected to be produced at Dei BioPharma’s state-of-the-art vaccine and drug manufacturing facility in Matugga, near Kampala.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, and Inspire Africa Group CEO Nelson Tugume, among other senior officials.
