Senegal produces first Africa-made generic sickle cell drug

Senegal has taken a major step towards improving access to sickle cell treatment after a pharmaceutical company began locally producing DREPAF, a generic medicine based on hydroxyurea, for people living with the condition.

Senegal has begun locally manufacturing DREPAF, a generic hydroxyurea treatment for sickle cell disease, including a paediatric formulation for children from nine months.

The development is significant because sickle cell disease is particularly widespread in Africa, yet access to disease-modifying treatment remains limited.