Senegal has reached a major milestone in African healthcare after becoming home to the continent’s first locally produced treatment for sickle cell disease.
The medicine, DREPAF, is a generic form of hydroxyurea produced by Senegalese pharmaceutical company Teranga Pharma. Hydroxyurea is widely used to help reduce painful sickle cell crises, hospitalisations and other serious complications associated with the inherited blood disorder.
DREPAF was launched in November 2025 and is available in adult and paediatric doses, with the child-friendly version designed for use from as early as nine months. Its local production is expected to make treatment more accessible and affordable while reducing Africa’s heavy reliance on imported medicines.
The development is already attracting interest from several African countries as Teranga Pharma works towards expanding production and supplying the wider continent. The company hopes to meet demand across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, marking an important step towards strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical independence.
HIGHLIGHTS
🇸🇳 Senegal is home to Africa’s first locally produced generic hydroxyurea treatment for sickle cell disease.
💊 The medicine, DREPAF, is produced by Teranga Pharma.
👶 A paediatric version is available for younger patients.
🌍 The treatment could help reduce dependence on expensive imported medicines.
🚀 Several African countries have already shown interest in the Senegal-made treatment.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Senegal’s production of DREPAF represents a significant breakthrough for African healthcare, bringing hope of more affordable and accessible sickle cell treatment while pushing the continent closer to pharmaceutical self-reliance.
