Senegal Produces Africa’s First Locally Manufactured Generic Hydroxyurea for Sickle Cell Disease
The development has been described by AFP and other reports as the first time a generic hydroxyurea treatment for sickle cell disease has been manufactured on African soil, potentially reducing the continent’s dependence on imported medicines.
Drepaf was launched in November 2025 and is available in 500mg tablets for adults and 100mg tablets for children. Teranga Pharma says the treatment is intended to help reduce sickle cell crises and improve access to hydroxyurea, particularly for patients who face difficulties obtaining imported medicines.
Addressing a major African health challenge
Sickle cell disease places a significant burden on African health systems. According to the reports, Africa accounts for nearly 80% of global sickle cell disease cases, while patients across the continent have historically depended heavily on medicines imported from Europe and the Americas.
Hydroxyurea is an established medicine used in sickle cell disease management. It can help reduce painful crises, hospitalisations and the need for blood transfusions, while improving outcomes for many patients when appropriately prescribed and monitored.
The availability of a locally manufactured generic therefore has implications beyond Senegal, particularly for countries where imported medicines remain expensive or supplies are inconsistent.
Drepaf targets affordability and availability
Teranga Pharma says Drepaf is intended to provide a more affordable alternative to imported hydroxyurea.
According to AFP, the 500mg adult formulation and 100mg paediatric formulation are sold to pharmacies at wholesale prices of approximately 3,000 CFA francs and 1,500 CFA francs respectively. Comparable imported products can cost up to three times more, according to the report.
The company has also developed the paediatric formulation for use from nine months of age, according to its chief executive, pharmacist Mouhamadou Sow. Any use of hydroxyurea, particularly in children, should however be determined and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals.
Senegal eyes wider African market
The significance of Drepaf extends beyond Senegal's borders.
Teranga Pharma is working with an Indian technical partner to expand production and supply other African markets. The company is already working with Burkina Faso, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire and has reportedly received requests from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon and Cameroon.
The company has set an ambition of meeting demand across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, positioning the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing and health security on the continent.
Part of Senegal's wider pharmaceutical ambitions
The development comes as Senegal continues efforts to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical production and reduce vulnerabilities in the supply of essential medicines.
Senegal's Ministry of Health has highlighted pharmaceutical supply-chain resilience and the availability of safe, effective and quality medicines as national priorities. The government has also introduced measures designed to facilitate access to public procurement for locally manufactured medicines.
Drepaf therefore represents more than a new locally produced medicine. It forms part of a broader push toward **pharmaceutical sovereignty**, in which African countries seek greater capacity to manufacture essential medicines within the continent.
A potential turning point for sickle cell care
For millions of people living with sickle cell disease, access to reliable and affordable treatment remains a major concern.
The emergence of locally manufactured hydroxyurea in Senegal could help address some of the supply and affordability challenges while creating a model that other African countries could consider as they strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.
However, expanding access will still depend on regulatory approval, sustainable production, reliable distribution, affordability and appropriate medical supervision.
If Teranga Pharma succeeds in scaling production and reaching additional African markets, Drepaf could become an important example of how local pharmaceutical manufacturing can contribute to improving healthcare access across the continent.
Ghana Evening News will continue to follow developments in Africa's pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.