On January 7, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office officially accepted an application filed by Dr. Matthias Magoola, the founder and Managing Director of Dei BioPharma, for the invention of a universal vaccine against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a huge step in the fight against one of the livestock industry's most devastating diseases.
Titled “Affordable Universal Fusion Vaccine for Foot and Mouth Disease Infections,” this innovation is set to revolutionize FMD control. It combines all known epitopes of FMD viruses into a universal antigen capable of providing cross-protection against various serotypes and strains. This design drastically reduces production costs, requiring minimal doses while ensuring effective immunity.
Uganda currently spends billions of shillings annually to import FMD vaccines. Dr. Magoola’s invention promises significant savings for the government while enhancing disease control measures. With 140 outbreaks reported between 2015 and 2019, Uganda faces an uphill battle against FMD, necessitating a costly bi-annual vaccination program.
This universal vaccine, based on advanced mRNA technology and recombinant methods, is tailored to be accessible for developing countries, a feature that Dr. Magoola describes as pivotal.
“This vaccine will be of great value to many developing economies due to its low cost and minimal dosage requirement compared to other vaccines for any disease,” Dr. Magoola explained.
How the Vaccine Works
The universal vaccine incorporates structural and non-structural proteins of the FMD virus:
By extending the half-life of antigens through conjugation with serum proteins, the vaccine improves efficacy and reduces dosing frequency. It also allows targeted vaccination, differentiating between infected and vaccinated animals.
International Collaboration and Recognition
Dr. Magoola’s work aligns with Uganda’s efforts to combat FMD in collaboration with neighbors like Tanzania, focusing on synchronized vaccination programs and transboundary disease surveillance.
In December 2024, Dr. Magoola was recognized by the International Molecular Biologist Awards for his pioneering contributions to vaccine research, particularly his use of mRNA technology to develop therapeutic drugs and vaccines.
Dr Matthias Magoola
As Minister Frank Tumwebaze highlighted, Uganda’s current vaccination program costs around USD 176 million annually. This innovation could redefine how the country and the world tackle FMD, benefiting both farmers and economies alike.
