Senegalese pharmaceutical company Teranga Pharma has produced Drepaf, a locally manufactured generic version of hydroxyurea used to treat sickle cell disease. The medicine is being presented as the first Africa-made treatment of its kind.
Drepaf could improve access to treatment for millions of people living with sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that can cause severe pain, anaemia and other serious complications.
The medicine was launched in Senegal in November 2025 and is available in 100-milligram and 500-milligram doses for children and adults. Teranga Pharma is working with an Indian technical partner to expand production and supply other African countries.
For years, many African countries have depended on imported medicines, leaving patients vulnerable to high costs and supply disruptions. Local production could help reduce prices, strengthen supply chains and improve access to essential care.
The development also highlights the growing potential of Africa’s pharmaceutical industry. With greater investment, local manufacturers can create skilled jobs, support research and improve the continent’s health security.
Regulatory approval, affordability and production capacity will determine how widely Drepaf becomes available. Authorities must also ensure that the treatment meets safety and quality standards.
Teranga Pharma’s achievement represents more than a new medicine. It is a sign that African companies can develop local solutions to major health challenges and contribute to stronger pharmaceutical independence across the continent.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
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