MPs urge Dei Biopharma to enhance research for emerging Tropical Diseases

Members of Parliament on the Health Committee have called on Dei Biopharma vaccines manufacturing plant in Matugga, Wakiso district  to enhance research and innovation to address emerging tropical diseases affecting Uganda and Africa.

Following their tour of the facility on Tuesday, MPs expressed their concerns regarding diseases such as red eyes, maberg, and malaria.

Noah Mutebi Wanzala, MP for Nakasongola Constituency, stressed the necessity for focused research and development in these areas, commending the facility as a crucial regional asset.

“We ask you to really do intense research and development around that area,” Mutebi stated, also advocating for increased research on chronic diseases.

Guided by Chairman Dr. Patrick Wakida and Board Pharmacist Dr. Arthur Kayanja, the MPs acknowledged Dei Biopharma’s initiatives in under-invested sectors, including vaccine manufacturing, oncology products for cancer treatment, nutraceuticals, and injectable medicines.

Dr. Samuel Opio, Deputy Chair of the Health Committee, highlighted the potential for these sectors to enhance access to affordable medicines, addressing a significant health burden in Uganda, East Africa, and the surrounding region.

“These areas have significant potential for increased access to affordable medicines, addressing a substantial burden in Uganda, East Africa, and the region,” he remarked.

He also pointed out that Uganda relies heavily on imports, with 70% of consumed products imported and only 20-30% produced locally.

Dr. Opio urged Dei Biopharma to foster transparency by sharing information with the community, given the government’s investment in the facility. “Our goal is to promote local production, reducing reliance on imports and increasing access to essential medicines,” he asserted.

In response to concerns about production timelines, Dr. Arthur Kayanja defended the delays, explaining that drug manufacturing is a meticulous process.

“We’re taking all necessary steps to ensure our products meet the highest standards,” he stated. Dei Biopharma is focusing on developing treatments for debilitating diseases such as HIV and Alzheimer’s, utilizing advanced messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.

Kayanja addressed the misunderstandings surrounding drug manufacturing, emphasizing, “We’re not making pastries; we’re making medicine.”

He reiterated their commitment to producing high-quality pharmaceuticals. “We can’t guarantee immediate market release, but patient safety is our top priority,” he added, noting that Dei Biopharma is working on anti-malarial drugs, with full production expected next year.