KAMPALA – Dei BioPharma Wins Best Pharma Company at African Excellence Awards
Dei BioPharma, Uganda’s first research-based biotechnology and pharmaceuticals firm, has been named the Best Pharma Company at this year’s African Excellence Awards, organized by MEA Markets, based in London, UK.
Announcing the winners on Friday, August 9, Awards Coordinator Kaven Cooper emphasized the importance of excellence in Africa.
“I’m always inspired by the excellence we uncover throughout Africa – an ever-evolving continent full to the brim with innovation and client-focused services,” Cooper said.
The awards honor the highest achievements across various sectors, recognizing businesses that have made significant contributions to Africa’s development and prosperity.
Other winners included:
- Adeptal Limited (Nigeria) – Best Water & Wastewater Treatment Solutions Provider
- International Center for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) (East Africa) – Most Dedicated Humanitarian Affairs Research Organization
- QuaLabels Manufacturers PLC (Ethiopia) – Best Beer Labels & Flexible Packaging Manufacturer 2024
Dei BioPharma Ltd, a Uganda-funded, research-based drugs and vaccines manufacturing firm, was recognized for its flagship biological drugs and vaccines manufacturing facility in Matugga, Wakiso District, Uganda. This project is creating thousands of professional jobs and is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Africa.
Dei BioPharma is also the first biotechnology products company in Uganda, introducing advanced technologies such as:
- mRNA vaccines
- Gene therapy
- Novel vaccines
- Recombinant drugs
- Essential medicines compliant with stringent regulatory Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)**
The company, which is set to commercially launch in October this year, has already submitted its research products for US FDA review and approval.
Dr. Matthias Magoola’s Response to the Award
Dr. Matthias Magoola, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dei Group of Companies, expressed gratitude for the recognition and thanked President Museveni for his unwavering support for Ugandan scientists.
“Without his resilient support and belief in such need, these achievements in Uganda would not have been possible,” Dr. Magoola said.
As a result of this support, Dei Biopharma is now set to begin full-scale manufacturing in Matugga, Wakiso District, home to Africa’s first independent full-scale biotech facility.
“These achievements are for Uganda and specifically for our beloved President, for he has always stood up for the scientists in this country,” he added.
Recognition for Advanced Therapeutics and Innovation
Dei BioPharma Ltd, under Dr. Magoola’s leadership, was honored for groundbreaking discoveries in advanced therapies, including:
- The first US-patented chemical drug using N-Isobutyll-3,4-methylenedioxy-trans-cinnamide compositions to treat malaria
- The first mRNA universal vaccine against malaria
- Other mRNA vaccines for neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, HIV, and HPV
- mRNA-based vaccine composition for inducing an immune response against HIV and HPV, patented under certificate number 63921929 in the USA
- Ten additional patents for untreatable diseases, all registered in the United States
Upon completion, the Matugga-based drugs and vaccines manufacturing plant, with a total investment of USD 1 billion, will bring life-saving therapies to Africa. This includes:
- Affordable cancer treatments
- Novel vaccines targeting infections prevalent in Africa
- Essential drugs tailored to African healthcare needs
By focusing on Africa’s healthcare challenges, Dei Biopharma aims to provide affordable treatments that were previously inaccessible due to high costs.
More importantly, these achievements will serve as an inspiration for African scientists, enabling them to take the lead in research and development instead of relying on obsolete imported technologies.
About the African Excellence Awards
Now in its seventh year, the African Excellence Awards organized by MEA Markets Magazine continue to highlight businesses and individuals for their prestigious accomplishments.
MEA Markets, published quarterly by AI Global Media, provides business and investment news across the Middle East and Africa. The magazine has been in publication since 2010 and features insights from top corporate professionals across various industries.
The African Excellence Awards 2024 recognize businesses ranging from emerging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to multinational corporations that have had a considerable impact on Africa’s economy.
These awards acknowledge companies that:
- Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a changing global economy
- Advance Africa’s economic and social progress
- Lead innovation in their respective sectors
