The United States Patent and Trademark Office officially accepted an application by Dr. Matthias Magoola, founder and Managing Director of Dei BioPharma, on January 7, 2025, granting him exclusive rights to his groundbreaking invention of the world’s first universal vaccine against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
Titled the “Affordable Universal Fusion Universal Vaccine for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Infections,” the innovation promises to save Uganda billions of shillings currently spent on importing FMD vaccines. This universal vaccine is designed to offer cross-protection against all known serotypes and strains of FMD, making it a game-changer in livestock disease management globally.
The patent describes the vaccine's use of cutting-edge technology, such as recombinant and RNA techniques, to develop a formulation that minimizes production costs. According to Dr. Magoola, the novel design allows for low-dose administration while extending the vaccine's effectiveness, making it affordable and accessible to developing economies.
“This vaccine is unlike anything available worldwide,” Dr. Magoola noted. “It addresses the economic challenges of controlling FMD and has the potential to revolutionize disease management in livestock industries.”
FMD, a highly contagious viral infection, affects cattle, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals, leading to devastating losses in productivity and economic impact across the globe. In Uganda, 140 FMD outbreaks were reported between 2015 and 2019, most occurring during dry seasons. The disease necessitates a bi-annual vaccination program, costing the government an estimated $176 million annually.
The invention also incorporates a DIVA (Differentiation of Infected and Vaccinated Animals) strategy, allowing for precise identification of infected livestock versus vaccinated ones. This diagnostic breakthrough enhances disease control and eradication efforts.
Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze has previously highlighted the immense costs and challenges of managing FMD, including vaccination campaigns requiring 44 million doses annually and restrictions on livestock movement. He also emphasized Uganda’s collaboration with Tanzania to synchronize vaccination calendars and bolster disease surveillance across borders.
Dr. Magoola’s work builds on his broader contributions to vaccine research. In December 2024, he received the prestigious International Molecular Biologist Award for his innovative study on mRNA technology in therapeutic drug production. His research, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, emphasized transitioning from recombinant to ribosomal delivery systems for producing vaccines and therapeutic drugs.
This patent marks a significant milestone for Uganda, positioning the country as a leader in global vaccine innovation. The universal FMD vaccine is expected to reduce vaccination campaigns and mitigate the disease's impact, potentially transforming livestock management in Uganda and beyond.
