Senegal-made sickle cell treatment raises hopes, reduces costs

In Senegal, a laboratory has begun producing generic hydroxyurea, a treatment for sickle cell disease, in an effort to reduce costs and improve accessibility. The 18-year-old Mamadou Tahirou, who has lived with the hereditary condition since the age of three, describes the debilitating symptoms that impact his daily life, including bone pain, anemia, and fatigue.

His mother, Rabiatou, watches helplessly as her son frequently requires hospitalization due to the disease. Sickle cell disease affects nearly 8 million people worldwide, with Africa accounting for 80% of cases. However, the continent relies heavily on expensive imported medications such as hydroxyurea. Teranga Pharma, a Senegalese pharmaceutical firm, is now manufacturing Drepaf, a local version of the treatment, which offers a more affordable and suitable option for patients.

The company's CEO, Mouhamadou Sow, states that Drepaf's pediatric version is particularly important as it caters to children from the age of nine months. The drug has garnered interest from several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. By 2030, Teranga Pharma aims to meet the demand from the entire sub-Saharan continent, ultimately strengthening Africa's pharmaceutical sovereignty.

Experts believe that the introduction of Drepaf could significantly improve the lives of sickle cell patients in Senegal and across the continent, offering a cheaper alternative to imported drugs and potentially reducing the impact of the disease on individuals' lives.