Minister Babalanda hails Dr Magoola on cancer drug
In February this year, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted a patent for Magoola’s invention—the first treatment for cancer using a novel composition of guided Ribonucleic Acid (RNA).
The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda. (File photo)
Umaru Kashaka
Journalist @New Vision
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The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, has praised Dr Matthias Magoola for inventing a cancer treatment drug that is expected to undergo testing in a US laboratory before the end of this year.
In February this year, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted a patent for Magoola’s invention—the first treatment for cancer using a novel composition of guided Ribonucleic Acid (RNA).
On Monday (14 April), Babalanda took to the social media platform X to congratulate Magoola, the founder and Managing Director of Dei BioPharma Ltd, on securing the US patent.
“This is a big achievement and a step in the right direction for scientific innovation contributing to a better world,” she said.
She also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for believing in Magoola’s vision and supporting the establishment of a modern pharmaceutical factory in Matugga, Wakiso District, dedicated to producing drugs and vaccines for various diseases, including HIV/AIDS and sickle cell.
“As Ugandans, we should be proud and support our own,” the Minister added.
Dei BioPharma Ltd is a biotechnology and pharmaceutical research firm specialising in the development and manufacture of innovative medicines and vaccines.
Magoola told New Vision in February that his latest invention took several years to develop and represents the first treatment for cancer using a novel composition of guided RNA, which is attached to the Cas9 protein known to disrupt genes that have mutated and caused cancer.
After the patent was published on 6 February 2025, Dr Magoola was asked the following month to submit an approval plan to the United States Food and Drug Administration in preparation for clinical trials, which are scheduled to begin before the end of this year.
“All details of the manufacturing of this product have been completed and are ready to go for testing,” he told New Vision in February.
Museveni meets Magoola
On Sunday (13 April), President Museveni commended Dr Magoola for securing the US patent during a meeting at State House, Entebbe.
“Dr Magoola has developed medical solutions that not only target cancer but also offer treatment for HIV and sickle cell disease,” the President said.