Dei BioPharma Ltd

Overview

Dei BioPharma Ltd is a Ugandan biotechnology and pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and manufacture of innovative medicines and vaccines. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Matthias Magoola, the company operates one of Africa’s largest vaccine and drug manufacturing facilities, aimed at enhancing healthcare self-sufficiency across the continent. The facility, located in Matugga, Wakiso District, is equipped to produce a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including vaccines, insulin, oncology drugs, and mRNA therapies. It has the capacity to produce up to one billion doses of mRNA vaccines annually and is designed to meet standards set by the US FDA, EMA, and WHO. In May 2024, Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA) granted Dei BioPharma licenses to begin manufacturing essential medicines, including non-beta-lactam tablets and hard gelatin capsules. The plant comprises multiple sections for biotech, generic, injectable, oncology, nutraceuticals, penicillin, cephalosporin, non-beta-lactam, and vaccine manufacturing. The generic section alone is capable of producing over 150 different drugs, beginning with an initial batch of 25 types. In 2025, the company submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of a novel GLP-1 agonist targeting diabetes and weight loss, making it the first African firm to pursue FDA approval for such a drug. Dei BioPharma also invests in traditional medicine, leveraging Uganda's biodiversity to develop herbal-based treatments, including a malaria remedy derived from local herbs. Between 2020 and 2024, the Ugandan government invested approximately UGX 723.4 billion in Dei BioPharma through multiple budget allocations. The investment sparked parliamentary scrutiny, with the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, questioning the absence of key documents such as a valuation by the Chief Government Valuer and a formal memorandum of understanding. The Auditor General’s report further raised concerns about the lack of share certificates and valuation documentation. In response to mounting questions, the company indicated a willingness to refund the investment, although no formal agreement had been reached as of late 2024. In August 2024, Dei BioPharma was awarded 'Best Pharma Company' at the African Excellence Awards hosted by MEA Markets in London. Members of the Ugandan Parliament commended the company for pioneering drug development in underrepresented areas such as oncology and vaccine production.

Investment Focus

• Focus on innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology projects
• Preference for investments in Africa, particularly East Africa
• Interest in both early-stage and growth-stage companies
• Open to joint ventures and strategic partnerships
• Commitment to high-quality standards and regulatory compliance
• Alignment with Dei BioPharma's mission to enhance healthcare self-sufficiency in Africa
• Willingness to collaborate with local and international stakeholders
• Interest in projects that leverage Uganda's biodiversity for pharmaceutical development

Portfolio Companies