Museveni hails Magoola’s cancer treatment patent success

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has applauded Ugandan scientist Dr Mathias Magoola for securing a United States patent for a novel cancer treatment, calling it a major milestone in the country’s scientific development.

The President made the remarks at State House, Entebbe, after meeting Dr Magoola, the founder and managing director of Dei BioPharma Ltd.

During the meeting, Dr Magoola briefed him on the recently granted patent and the company’s efforts to manufacture life-saving drugs and vaccines.

“Dr Magoola has developed medical solutions that not only target cancer but also offer treatment for HIV and sickle cell disease,” President Museveni said.

Dr Magoola informed the President that the United States Patent and Trademark Office officially granted and published his patent on February 6, 2025.

The patent covers a gene-editing cancer treatment developed over several years, which uses guided RNA attached to the Cas9 protein to target and destroy mutated genes responsible for cancer.

“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 explained.

He noted that, unlike existing FDA-approved gene-editing therapies, his innovation is designed to treat all types and stages of cancer without harming healthy cells.

He said the precision of this treatment eliminates the severe side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy, antibody therapy, and radiation.

According to Dr Magoola, all manufacturing details for the treatment have been finalised, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested an approval plan. Clinical trials are expected to begin later this year.

“All details of the manufacturing of this product have been completed and are ready to go for testing,” he told the President.

Dr Magoola emphasised the innovation’s global medical and humanitarian potential.

With the global cancer burden projected to reach 35 million cases annually by 2030, he said the treatment, designed to be simple and affordable, offers hope to millions, particularly in developing countries.

He added that the treatment represents a potential $300 billion market and will be produced at the upcoming drug and vaccine manufacturing facility in Matugga, Wakiso.

“This invention is not just a scientific breakthrough, it is a humanitarian contribution aimed at eradicating cancer globally,” he said.

Also present at the meeting were the science, technology and innovation minister Dr Monica Musenero, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, finance permanent secretary and secretary to the treasury Ramathan Ggoobi, and Inspire Africa Group CEO Nelson Tugume, among others.