On January 7, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Dr. Matthias Magoola, founder and Managing Director of Dei BioPharma, a patent for his invention—the world’s first universal vaccine for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
This vaccine, called the “Affordable Universal Fusion Vaccine for Foot and Mouth Disease Infections,” has the potential to save governments billions of dollars that would otherwise be spent on importing vaccines.
The patent gives Dr. Magoola exclusive rights to his invention, meaning no one can make, use, or sell the vaccine without his permission. His vaccine works by targeting all known strains of the FMD virus, providing broad protection against the disease.
The vaccine uses advanced technology to improve its effectiveness and lower costs. It has a longer-lasting effect because it is combined with serum proteins or synthetic peptides.
Additionally, new techniques like recombinant and RNA technologies help reduce the cost of producing the vaccine, making it affordable for countries around the world. Dr. Magoola’s vaccine requires fewer doses than current vaccines, making it a more economical option, especially for developing nations.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It causes major economic losses due to reduced productivity and trade restrictions.
The virus contains structural proteins, such as VP1, which are essential for its ability to infect animals. These proteins are key targets for developing vaccines.
The patent also explains how the vaccine can be used to distinguish between infected animals and vaccinated ones, a method known as DIVA (Differentiation of Infected and Vaccinated Animals).
The patent outlines the process for creating the universal vaccine, which includes using genetic material that encodes viral proteins, combining these proteins with serum components, and adding ingredients to enhance the vaccine’s effectiveness. This approach helps reduce the need for frequent vaccination campaigns while maintaining high protection.
Between 2015 and 2019, Uganda experienced 140 FMD outbreaks, mainly during the dry season. The country requires 44 million vaccine doses each year, costing around USD 176 million.
To manage the disease, Uganda has worked closely with neighboring Tanzania and enforced movement restrictions for livestock. The country’s Agriculture Minister, Frank Tumwebaze, stressed the importance of coordinated vaccination efforts and improved disease monitoring across borders.
This achievement is another major milestone for Dr. Magoola, who was honored with the International Molecular Biologist Award in December 2024 for his groundbreaking work in vaccine research.
He was recognized as the Best Researcher for his contributions to using mRNA technology in vaccine and drug development.
His study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, explores the shift from traditional recombinant methods to new ribosomal delivery techniques, aiming to improve human health.
