ANGUPALE JIMMY RONALD

I am a self-driven, enthusiastic, and passionate pharmaceutical scientist specializing in medicinal product formulation and manufacturing innovations. My definite major purpose is to transform the pharmaceutical science institutions/schools in Uganda as a major driver of world-class pharmaceutical product innovations and development of robust manufacturing systems in Africa, through high-impact research and graduation of highly skilled generations of pharmaceutical scientists

Research Publications

1. Angupale, J.R*., Tusiimire, J., and Ngwuluka, N (2023). A Review of Efficacy and Safety of Ugandan Antimalarial Plants with Application of RITAM Score. Malaria Journal, 22 (97). 

2. Onen, H., Kavuo J.S., Namboko, G.K., Hope, D., and Angupale, J.R* (2023). In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Combinations of Callistemon citrinus and Eriobotrya japonica against Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans. African Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 14(3), 195-203. 

3. Angupale, J. R*., Ogwang, P. E., & Okafor I. S (2020). Physical Properties and Compactability of various Blends of Fully and Partially Gelatinised Maize Starch. Pharmaceutical and Biosciences Journal, 8(1). 

4. Ogwang, P. E., Angupale J. R., Oloro, J & Baruga, E. (2017). Wound healing property and Phytochemical 

Analysis of Zanthoxylum species from Uganda, Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 20 (3). 

Research Conference Presentations

5. J. R. Angupale*, W. J. Kamanda, N. Kakooza, T. M. Lubega, C. Nsamba, F. Nalimu, J. Oloro, and U. T. Casim (2023). Physicochemical Properties of Grewia bicolar Gum obtained from West Nile – Uganda and its application as a pharmaceutical suspending agent. MUST 17th Annual Research Dissemination Conference. 

6. J. R. Angupale*, A. Okello, C. Ashante, S. Ainembabazi, L. Nalubega, J. A. Okello, J. Oloro, and U. T. Casim (2023). Comparison of Microcrystalline Cellulose Locally extracted from sugarcane bagasse and Avicel® PH101. MUST 17th Annual Research Dissemination Conference.

7. J. R. Angupale*., S. Kaur., A. J. Makuach., E. Kaggwa., J. Wamukama and J. Oloro (2021). Optimization of Temperature in Preparation of Pregelatinized Maize Starch as a Multifunctional Excipient for Direct Tablet Compression. Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Dissemination Conference  

8. Onen, H., Kavuo., J.S., Namboko, J.K., Bukusuba, S., Hope, D and Angupale, J. R* (2021). Antimicrobial Interactions between the Phytoextracts of Callistemon citrinus and Eriobotrya japonica against Streptococcus mutans. Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Dissemination Conference

Thesis/ Dissertations

1. Angupale J. R. (2019). Evaluation of gelatinized maize starch as an Excipient for Direct Compression Tabletting, Jos, Plateau State: University of Jos, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology. 

2. Angupale J. R., & Kaggwa, R. (2016). Effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Prunus africana on male sexual behaviors in Albino Wistar rats (Group No. 06). Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

PharmSan Hand Sanitizers                                                                                                          Commercialization Stage 

• Developed alcohol-based sanitizers in form of a gel and spray as one of the first responses at PHARMBIOTRAC – Mbarara University of Science and Technology against Covid-19 pandemic
• Products certified by UNBS and have been in the market for a year now
• Trademark PharmSan registered at URSB.

Pearl Jelly  Product                                                                                                                               Testing Stage/ Commercialization 

• It is developed from cow ghee as the main ingredient for softening of rough skin, removal of dark patches, and moisturization of the skin
• Sample available and some consumers are already giving us feedback Under the UNBS certification process

Novaten Tablets                                                                                                                                     Prototyping Phase

• Standard herbal tablets incorporating an antihypertensive extract of Rauwolfia serpetina stem bark
• It will derive its unique benefit of balanced and controlled blood pressure from key compounds reserpine and aljimacine which work in opposite directions to regulate blood pressure.

GlyceNOV Capsules                                                                                                                                 Prototyping Phase 

• A standard capsule formula for diabetes mellitus-2 from a combination of scientifically selected plant extracts
• Proven to be more effective than glibenclamide (the standard drug for diabetes)

Covidex                                                                                                                                                          Market

• The wonder herbal product that contributed immensely in the Covid-19 pandemic
• Participated in the product innovation as the pharmaceutical technologist and also helped in upscaling of the production capacity

1. Upscaling and Commercialization of Industrial Grade Ghee (CITT Product Development Grant 2022/2023: UGX 16,650,000)

• Position/Role: Project Mentor
• Period: April 03, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023
• Expected Milestones: A standardized and well branded industrial grade ghee based product, regulatory approval obtained, trademark and patent filled, product launched to the market, at least one publication.

2. Local Development and Standardization of Pharmaceutical Additives (Excipients) from Sugarcane Bagasse and Grewia bicolar (UGX 20,000,000). DRGT- MUST (DRGT/SG/FY22-23/R2/T2P20, Government of Uganda Innovation Funds.

• Position/ Role: Principal Investigator
• Period: Nov 2022 – June 2023
• Milestones: Data collection in the final stages, and two manuscripts under draft for publication

3. Incubation of Pearl Jelly (a ghee-based jelly product innovation) at PHARMBIOTRAC Incubation Center - Seed Grant USD 3,783.78 (UGX 14,000,000). Duration: One Year.

• Position/Role: Principal Investigator
• Milestones: A novel natural method successfully developed for purification of cow ghee; One product (Pearl Jelly) already developed and the advanced prototype already analyzed by UNBS and efforts to have the product certified are in process; Agreement Signed between the incubatees and PHARMBIOTRAC – Mbarara University of Science and Technology

4. Preclinical Evaluation of 3 herbal products in Uganda for Effects against coronavirus infections (UGX 283, 312, 000). Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations, Uganda.

• Position/Role: Pharmaceutical Technologist
• Milestones: Established Quality Control Specifications for Covidex Product (the novel drug that saved countless lives in the Covid-19 pandemic); Product certified by National Drug Authority; Manufacturing process successfully up-scaled to meet the market demand.

5. NovaCAP Innovation – Turning Locally Processed Starch and Cellulose into Hard Capsule Shells (Seed Grant USD 3,783.78 (UGX 14 m). Duration: One Year

• Role: Co- Investigator and Technical Advisor
• Milestones: Cellulose and Starch successfully extracted and modified awaiting production of empty of empty capsule shells

1. Research and Development Coordinator, The Uganda Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (UAPS).  October 2022 – to date

• Coordinating various innovation and research activities of the association in the area of drug discovery, development, manufacturing, and excipient development
• Engaging with various stakeholders to collaborate on joint research projects
• Building a competent team to respond to calls for grant applications in areas of pharmaceutical sciences

2. Vocational Service Award, Rotary Club of Muyenga  2021/2022 

• Award received for dedicated and outstanding service to community through medical vocation and particularly towards the fight against Covid-19 pandemic

3. Training of Community Herbalists on Standardization of Medicinal Products and Quality Control (2021 – to date) 

• Conducted practical training organized by PHARMBIOTRAC for herbalists in Kamwenge District (Western Uganda), and PROMETRA (A non- governmental community herbalist’s organization in Mpigi, Central Uganda). Training focused on formulation and quality control of herbal soaps, ointments, mosquito repellants, herbal powders, granules, capsules and tablets
• Helped a number of herbalists to register their products with National Drug Authority (NDA)
• Conducted consultancy services on good manufacturing practices, design of manufacturing premises for PROMETRA production facility

4. President, Association of Mbarara University Pharmaceutical Science Students (AMUPSS), 2015 – 2016 

• Organized student mentorship programs where undergraduate students of pharmaceutical sciences participate in discussions with staff and other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector
• Organized a pharmaceutical science symposium in partnership with the department of pharmaceutical sciences. This was held at Hotel Africana, Kampala
• Initiated Annual Research Seminar for students of Pharmaceutical Sciences, where they participate in development of medicinal product innovations and present them at the seminar involving various stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry

Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation, hosted at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Organized by RUFORUM – RECAP (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture - RUFORUM Entrepreneurship Challenge Program). 12th -19th April 2021

• Supported under the “Sharing Innovations and experiences from Korea for Higher Education Transformation in Africa (SIKET)” Project with funding from the Republic of Korea, under the KOAFEC Trust Fund through the African Development Bank
• Areas Covered: Critical thinking, innovation development, stages of innovation incubation, the role of Universities in driving the economy through institutional entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystem, the role of an incubator in mentoring young businesses and innovators, etc.

Good Documentation Practices, Quality Control, Intellectual Property, and Company Registration, a Training for Herbal Manufacturers Organized by NDA.  10th March 2020

• Learned general principles and purpose of documentation
• Appreciated the concept of a good documentation system, documentation control, data entry, and documents required in a herbal manufacturing
• Reinforced my understanding of the NDA format of writing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Captured the general considerations in the standardization of finished herbal products and the different quality control tests to be conducted at specific stages.
• Broadened my understanding of different IPs i.e. Patents, Brand Names, Copyrights, etc.
• Understood the steps for registration of a company and filing for IP protection with URSB

Responsible Conduct of Research, Mbarara University Research Training Initiative (MURTI), 

 21st – 25th Aug 2017 

• The training focused on Ethical issues involved in conducting research (shared values Regulatory Policies guiding research studies, scientific misconduct/research misconduct, Rights and welfare of human research participants and others)
• It covered various topics including Concepts and Theories in research, planning and designing, Quality control, data collection, sampling, data management, computer-assisted data analysis, reporting

Qualitative Research Methods, MURTI  13th – 17th November 2017  Introduction to Grant Writing, MURTI   27th -1st Dec 2017 

• It covered many topics including developing proposal ideas, defining goals and objectives, preparing program budget, and others

• Dr. Duncan Sesaazi, Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences - MUST, (dsesaazi@must.ac.ug, 0706215215)
• Ass. Prof. Ogwang Patrick Engeu, Head, Pharmacy Department - MUST, (pe7321@gmail.com, 0779617612)
• Dr. Casim Umba Tolo, Director/ Center Leader, PHARMBIOTRAC – MUST, (tolocas@must.ac.ug, 0772837055)

Research Publications

1. Angupale, J.R*., Tusiimire, J., and Ngwuluka, N (2023). A Review of Efficacy and Safety of Ugandan Antimalarial Plants with Application of RITAM Score. Malaria Journal, 22 (97). 

2. Onen, H., Kavuo J.S., Namboko, G.K., Hope, D., and Angupale, J.R* (2023). In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Combinations of Callistemon citrinus and Eriobotrya japonica against Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans. African Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 14(3), 195-203. 

3. Angupale, J. R*., Ogwang, P. E., & Okafor I. S (2020). Physical Properties and Compactability of various Blends of Fully and Partially Gelatinised Maize Starch. Pharmaceutical and Biosciences Journal, 8(1). 

4. Ogwang, P. E., Angupale J. R., Oloro, J & Baruga, E. (2017). Wound healing property and Phytochemical 

Analysis of Zanthoxylum species from Uganda, Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 20 (3). 

Research Conference Presentations

5. J. R. Angupale*, W. J. Kamanda, N. Kakooza, T. M. Lubega, C. Nsamba, F. Nalimu, J. Oloro, and U. T. Casim (2023). Physicochemical Properties of Grewia bicolar Gum obtained from West Nile – Uganda and its application as a pharmaceutical suspending agent. MUST 17th Annual Research Dissemination Conference. 

6. J. R. Angupale*, A. Okello, C. Ashante, S. Ainembabazi, L. Nalubega, J. A. Okello, J. Oloro, and U. T. Casim (2023). Comparison of Microcrystalline Cellulose Locally extracted from sugarcane bagasse and Avicel® PH101. MUST 17th Annual Research Dissemination Conference.

7. J. R. Angupale*., S. Kaur., A. J. Makuach., E. Kaggwa., J. Wamukama and J. Oloro (2021). Optimization of Temperature in Preparation of Pregelatinized Maize Starch as a Multifunctional Excipient for Direct Tablet Compression. Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Dissemination Conference  

8. Onen, H., Kavuo., J.S., Namboko, J.K., Bukusuba, S., Hope, D and Angupale, J. R* (2021). Antimicrobial Interactions between the Phytoextracts of Callistemon citrinus and Eriobotrya japonica against Streptococcus mutans. Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Dissemination Conference

Thesis/ Dissertations

1. Angupale J. R. (2019). Evaluation of gelatinized maize starch as an Excipient for Direct Compression Tabletting, Jos, Plateau State: University of Jos, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology. 

2. Angupale J. R., & Kaggwa, R. (2016). Effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Prunus africana on male sexual behaviors in Albino Wistar rats (Group No. 06). Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

PharmSan Hand Sanitizers                                                                                                          Commercialization Stage 

• Developed alcohol-based sanitizers in form of a gel and spray as one of the first responses at PHARMBIOTRAC – Mbarara University of Science and Technology against Covid-19 pandemic
• Products certified by UNBS and have been in the market for a year now
• Trademark PharmSan registered at URSB.

Pearl Jelly  Product                                                                                                                               Testing Stage/ Commercialization 

• It is developed from cow ghee as the main ingredient for softening of rough skin, removal of dark patches, and moisturization of the skin
• Sample available and some consumers are already giving us feedback Under the UNBS certification process

Novaten Tablets                                                                                                                                     Prototyping Phase

• Standard herbal tablets incorporating an antihypertensive extract of Rauwolfia serpetina stem bark
• It will derive its unique benefit of balanced and controlled blood pressure from key compounds reserpine and aljimacine which work in opposite directions to regulate blood pressure.

GlyceNOV Capsules                                                                                                                                 Prototyping Phase 

• A standard capsule formula for diabetes mellitus-2 from a combination of scientifically selected plant extracts
• Proven to be more effective than glibenclamide (the standard drug for diabetes)

Covidex                                                                                                                                                          Market

• The wonder herbal product that contributed immensely in the Covid-19 pandemic
• Participated in the product innovation as the pharmaceutical technologist and also helped in upscaling of the production capacity

1. Upscaling and Commercialization of Industrial Grade Ghee (CITT Product Development Grant 2022/2023: UGX 16,650,000)

• Position/Role: Project Mentor
• Period: April 03, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023
• Expected Milestones: A standardized and well branded industrial grade ghee based product, regulatory approval obtained, trademark and patent filled, product launched to the market, at least one publication.

2. Local Development and Standardization of Pharmaceutical Additives (Excipients) from Sugarcane Bagasse and Grewia bicolar (UGX 20,000,000). DRGT- MUST (DRGT/SG/FY22-23/R2/T2P20, Government of Uganda Innovation Funds.

• Position/ Role: Principal Investigator
• Period: Nov 2022 – June 2023
• Milestones: Data collection in the final stages, and two manuscripts under draft for publication

3. Incubation of Pearl Jelly (a ghee-based jelly product innovation) at PHARMBIOTRAC Incubation Center - Seed Grant USD 3,783.78 (UGX 14,000,000). Duration: One Year.

• Position/Role: Principal Investigator
• Milestones: A novel natural method successfully developed for purification of cow ghee; One product (Pearl Jelly) already developed and the advanced prototype already analyzed by UNBS and efforts to have the product certified are in process; Agreement Signed between the incubatees and PHARMBIOTRAC – Mbarara University of Science and Technology

4. Preclinical Evaluation of 3 herbal products in Uganda for Effects against coronavirus infections (UGX 283, 312, 000). Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations, Uganda.

• Position/Role: Pharmaceutical Technologist
• Milestones: Established Quality Control Specifications for Covidex Product (the novel drug that saved countless lives in the Covid-19 pandemic); Product certified by National Drug Authority; Manufacturing process successfully up-scaled to meet the market demand.

5. NovaCAP Innovation – Turning Locally Processed Starch and Cellulose into Hard Capsule Shells (Seed Grant USD 3,783.78 (UGX 14 m). Duration: One Year

• Role: Co- Investigator and Technical Advisor
• Milestones: Cellulose and Starch successfully extracted and modified awaiting production of empty of empty capsule shells

1. Research and Development Coordinator, The Uganda Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (UAPS).  October 2022 – to date

• Coordinating various innovation and research activities of the association in the area of drug discovery, development, manufacturing, and excipient development
• Engaging with various stakeholders to collaborate on joint research projects
• Building a competent team to respond to calls for grant applications in areas of pharmaceutical sciences

2. Vocational Service Award, Rotary Club of Muyenga  2021/2022 

• Award received for dedicated and outstanding service to community through medical vocation and particularly towards the fight against Covid-19 pandemic

3. Training of Community Herbalists on Standardization of Medicinal Products and Quality Control (2021 – to date) 

• Conducted practical training organized by PHARMBIOTRAC for herbalists in Kamwenge District (Western Uganda), and PROMETRA (A non- governmental community herbalist’s organization in Mpigi, Central Uganda). Training focused on formulation and quality control of herbal soaps, ointments, mosquito repellants, herbal powders, granules, capsules and tablets
• Helped a number of herbalists to register their products with National Drug Authority (NDA)
• Conducted consultancy services on good manufacturing practices, design of manufacturing premises for PROMETRA production facility

4. President, Association of Mbarara University Pharmaceutical Science Students (AMUPSS), 2015 – 2016 

• Organized student mentorship programs where undergraduate students of pharmaceutical sciences participate in discussions with staff and other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector
• Organized a pharmaceutical science symposium in partnership with the department of pharmaceutical sciences. This was held at Hotel Africana, Kampala
• Initiated Annual Research Seminar for students of Pharmaceutical Sciences, where they participate in development of medicinal product innovations and present them at the seminar involving various stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry

Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation, hosted at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Organized by RUFORUM – RECAP (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture - RUFORUM Entrepreneurship Challenge Program). 12th -19th April 2021

• Supported under the “Sharing Innovations and experiences from Korea for Higher Education Transformation in Africa (SIKET)” Project with funding from the Republic of Korea, under the KOAFEC Trust Fund through the African Development Bank
• Areas Covered: Critical thinking, innovation development, stages of innovation incubation, the role of Universities in driving the economy through institutional entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystem, the role of an incubator in mentoring young businesses and innovators, etc.

Good Documentation Practices, Quality Control, Intellectual Property, and Company Registration, a Training for Herbal Manufacturers Organized by NDA.  10th March 2020

• Learned general principles and purpose of documentation
• Appreciated the concept of a good documentation system, documentation control, data entry, and documents required in a herbal manufacturing
• Reinforced my understanding of the NDA format of writing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Captured the general considerations in the standardization of finished herbal products and the different quality control tests to be conducted at specific stages.
• Broadened my understanding of different IPs i.e. Patents, Brand Names, Copyrights, etc.
• Understood the steps for registration of a company and filing for IP protection with URSB

Responsible Conduct of Research, Mbarara University Research Training Initiative (MURTI), 

 21st – 25th Aug 2017 

• The training focused on Ethical issues involved in conducting research (shared values Regulatory Policies guiding research studies, scientific misconduct/research misconduct, Rights and welfare of human research participants and others)
• It covered various topics including Concepts and Theories in research, planning and designing, Quality control, data collection, sampling, data management, computer-assisted data analysis, reporting

Qualitative Research Methods, MURTI  13th – 17th November 2017  Introduction to Grant Writing, MURTI   27th -1st Dec 2017 

• It covered many topics including developing proposal ideas, defining goals and objectives, preparing program budget, and others

• Dr. Duncan Sesaazi, Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences - MUST, (dsesaazi@must.ac.ug, 0706215215)
• Ass. Prof. Ogwang Patrick Engeu, Head, Pharmacy Department - MUST, (pe7321@gmail.com, 0779617612)
• Dr. Casim Umba Tolo, Director/ Center Leader, PHARMBIOTRAC – MUST, (tolocas@must.ac.ug, 0772837055)