Ugandan Firm Seeks Patent for Multi-Strain Ebola Vaccine

A Ugandan pharmaceutical company, Dei BioPharma, is making a significant move towards greater African self-sufficiency in vaccine development. The company has submitted a patent application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a new Ebola vaccine platform.

This innovative vaccine utilizes mRNA technology, similar to some COVID-19 vaccines, but is designed to be effective against multiple strains of Ebola that frequently cause outbreaks across Africa, including Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo. This marks a departure from existing vaccines, which are typically approved for only one strain.

Dr. Matthias Magoola, founder of Dei BioPharma, stated that the development is a crucial step towards African “technological self-determination in epidemic preparedness.” He emphasized that the continent should not only receive vaccines during crises but also actively participate in their design, manufacturing, and deployment.

The need for such a vaccine is particularly acute for Uganda, a country that has faced recurring Ebola outbreaks. Current responses often involve emergency measures, reliance on external aid for vaccines and supplies, and significant disruption to daily life, including school closures, restricted movement, and economic downturns.

Furthermore, Uganda has experienced outbreaks of the Sudan and Bundibugyo virus strains, for which no licensed vaccine currently exists. The World Health Organization recently declared the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, highlighting the urgent need for targeted solutions.

Dei BioPharma’s vaccine development aims to address these gaps by offering a potential solution that could shorten response times and reduce dependence on international supply chains. The company is preparing for Phase One human trials and hopes for conditional approval within four to five years, acknowledging the long and complex regulatory pathway ahead.

This initiative aligns with broader calls from African leaders for increased regional research and manufacturing capacity, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global vaccine distribution. Dei BioPharma is reportedly engaging with global and regional health organizations, including WHO and Gavi, as it progresses with its development.

https://observer.ug/news/ugandan-firm-files-ebola-vaccine-patent