RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
Senegal has begun producing a locally manufactured generic form of hydroxyurea, a major medicine used in managing sickle cell disease, offering patients a lower-cost treatment option while potentially reducing dependence on imported drugs.
Senegalese pharmaceutical company Teranga Pharma launched the medicine, known as Drepaf, in November 2025. It is available in 500-milligram doses for adults and 100-milligram doses for children.
Hydroxyurea is widely used in sickle cell care to reduce painful episodes, hospital admissions and the need for blood transfusions, while improving outcomes for appropriately selected patients.
The development comes as many African countries continue to face challenges obtaining affordable and consistent supplies of sickle cell medicines.
LOWER-COST TREATMENT
Teranga Pharma said Drepaf was developed to provide a more affordable option for patients who may struggle with the cost or availability of imported hydroxyurea.
The adult and paediatric versions are supplied to pharmacies at wholesale prices of 3,000 CFA francs and 1,500 CFA francs respectively.
Existing hydroxyurea products available in the market can cost substantially more.
The company said the 100mg paediatric formulation also addresses the need for doses suitable for younger children, including patients from nine months of age where treatment is medically indicated.
Access remains a wider challenge across the continent. A 2023 study involving health professionals in 13 French-speaking sub-Saharan African countries found that 78 per cent of those surveyed reported frequent interruptions in hydroxyurea supplies.
REGIONAL EXPANSION PLANNED
Teranga Pharma is working with an Indian technical partner to increase production and expand distribution beyond Senegal.
The company said it was already working with Burkina Faso, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, while receiving interest from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon and Cameroon.
Its longer-term objective is to supply markets across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 as part of efforts to expand pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity on the continent.
The project is backed by about 4 billion CFA francs, equivalent to approximately $7.1 million.
Health advocates in Senegal have welcomed increased availability of locally produced hydroxyurea, particularly because treatment costs and supply shortages can create difficulties for patients requiring long-term care.
However, individual responses to treatment can vary, and hydroxyurea should be prescribed and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS REMAINS IMPORTANT
Health advocates also stress that access to affordable medication is only one part of sickle cell management.
Early screening, regular medical monitoring and appropriate support remain important in managing the inherited blood disorder and reducing complications.
The local production of hydroxyurea therefore represents an additional treatment option for patients while Senegal seeks to expand access and strengthen domestic pharmaceutical production.
