From a young girl fascinated by medicine in Kampala to a pioneering cancer scientist in New York, Dr. Rashida Karmali’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and groundbreaking innovation.
Born into a family with deep Ugandan roots, Dr. Rashida was inspired by her mother, Sakina Bai, who was born in 1922 in Bukandula, Gomba District, and her brother, Prof. Minaz Karmali, a director at Liberty ICD Limited in Namanve Industrial Park. Her early curiosity about science led her to pursue a career at the forefront of cancer research.
Today, Dr. Rashida is the founder and CEO of Tactical Therapeutics, Inc., where she has spent over four decades developing innovative cancer treatments.
Her latest breakthrough is Carboxyamidotriazole Ototate (CTO), a revolutionary drug designed primarily for glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer in adults. The drug also shows promise for treating other solid tumors.
Her work has gained international recognition, with CTO’s test results published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2018 and updated findings on its safety and survival benefits set to be presented at the American Association of Cancer Research Conference in April 2025.
The drug is now in its final stages of approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“I am happy that my drug has been recognized. This will help people with cancer to recover,” Dr. Rashida told New Vision.
A Trailblazing Career
Dr. Rashida’s academic journey began at Aga Khan School in Kampala, followed by a biochemistry degree from Makerere University.
She later earned a master’s in nutrition from Aberdeen University and a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Newcastle. She further expanded her expertise by completing an MBA from Rutgers University in 2007.
Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to cancer research, including her 1997 study on Omega-3 fatty acids and COX-2 in cancer, which was featured on the cover of Cancer Research. As a faculty member and scientist, she has founded two biopharmaceutical companies—Tactical Therapeutics and Savvipharm Inc.—and holds 15 U.S. patents and over 80 international patents.
Recognized for her lifelong dedication to cancer research, Dr. Rashida received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who in 2017. She has also authored more than 100 scientific publications, cementing her status as a leader in the field.
Marking World Cancer Day
As the world observes World Cancer Day on February 4, Dr. Rashida’s contributions highlight the power of scientific advancements in the fight against cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 22% of global cancer cases are linked to chronic infections, and the numbers continue to rise. In Uganda alone, over 53,000 new cancer cases are reported each year.
Dr. Rashida’s groundbreaking work offers hope for millions battling cancer worldwide, proving that innovation and perseverance can change lives.
