Kenyan Scientists Lead Breakthrough in Sickle Cell Treatment

A novel drug, Scedamin, is poised to revolutionise the treatment of sickle cell disease in children, particularly in Africa, where the condition is most prevalent and access to care is severely limited. 

Developed by Yunigen Inc., a US-based pharmaceutical company, Scedamin is a pediatric-friendly formulation of hydroxyurea designed to improve treatment accessibility and effectiveness. Sedamin's dissolvable tablet form is specifically formulated for infants as young as nine months. 

This circumvents challenges associated with traditional hydroxyurea formulations, which require complex dosage adjustments for young children. Its stability without refrigeration and ease of administration make it particularly suitable for regions with underdeveloped healthcare infrastructures. Spearheaded by Kenyan scientists Dr. Wycliffe Omwancha and Charles Otieno, Yunigen Inc. is directly addressing critical treatment gaps for sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects African populations. 

An estimated 70% of the global sickle cell disease burden is concentrated in Africa, where comprehensive treatment options are scarce. Hydroxyurea, the active ingredient in Scedamin, has proven effective in managing sickle cell disease by reducing painful episodes, decreasing the need for blood transfusions, and mitigating infection risks, including protection against malaria. Scedamin's child-friendly formulation ensures accurate dosing and improved adherence to treatment protocols.

The development of Scedamin has garnered significant support, including recognition from high-ranking officials. Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, recently visited Yunigen’s facility in Morgantown, West Virginia, to acknowledge the progress of Scedamin. He lauded the contributions of the Kenyan scientists leading the project. During the visit, Mudavadi emphasised the significance of Scedamin as a testament to Kenya’s growing scientific footprint on the international stage.

The visit was attended by US lawmakers, including West Virginia senators, and Kenya’s ambassador to the United States, David Kerich. The urgency for accessible and effective sickle cell treatment is underscored by sobering statistics. Approximately 240,000 children are born with the disease in Africa each year, but fewer than 2% receive adequate medical care.

Tragically, up to 80% of affected children die before the age of five. Scedamin’s development has received strong backing from both the Kenyan government and international stakeholders. Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing scientific collaborations that drive meaningful change.

As Scedamin progresses toward broader availability, it offers renewed hope for families affected by sickle cell disease across Africa and beyond. It represents a significant step forward in addressing healthcare disparities and exemplifies the power of global scientific collaboration and diaspora-led innovation.