Kenyan Experts In United States Create New Sickle Cell Treatment For Children, Earn Government Recognition

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

Two Kenyan scientists based in the United States, have received high praise from Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, for their groundbreaking work on a new treatment for sickle cell disease in children.

During a visit to Yunigen Inc, a pharmaceutical company in Morgantown, West Virginia, Mudavadi met with Dr. Wycliffe Omwancha and Charles Otieno, the lead scientists behind Scedamin a new pediatric version of hydroxyurea.

The visit took place as part of Mudavadi’s ongoing mission to foster international partnerships in health and innovation.

Scedamin is designed specifically for children as young as nine months living with sickle cell disease.

Unlike traditional hydroxyurea capsules, which often require breaking open and mixing, Scedamin is a dissolvable tablet that simplifies dosing, is easy to carry, and does not need refrigeration.

These features make it particularly suitable for rural and resource-constrained areas, where treatment access is often limited.

Mudavadi lauded the innovation as a powerful example of Kenyan excellence on the global stage.

“This work demonstrates the brilliance, dedication, and impact that Kenyan professionals can achieve internationally,” he said.

Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects Africa, which is home to about 70 percent of the world’s 120 million cases.

Every year, around 240,000 children in Africa are born with the condition, yet fewer than two per cent receive treatment.

Tragically, most of these children do not survive past the age of five.

However, by offering a more practical, affordable, and child-friendly version of hydroxyurea, Scedamin has the potential to transform outcomes for thousands of affected children.

Charles Otieno, Chief executive officer of Yunigen, noted that their goal is to ensure access to quality and affordable medications in emerging markets where healthcare costs remain a major barrier.

“We are committed to producing high-quality treatments at prices that people can afford,” he said.

Mudavadi also attended the official launch of Scedamin at the company’s facility in September during a previous visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly.

The Kenyan government has pledged its support for the initiative and emphasized the importance of continued global cooperation in addressing sickle cell disease.

During the latest event, Mudavadi was joined by several West Virginia state senators and Kenya’s Ambassador to the US, David Kerich, who all commended the scientists for their vital work and vision.