Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during a visit to Yunigen in Morgantwon, West Virginia in the US on May 10, 2025/ MUSALIA MUDAVADI/XPrime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has commended two Kenyan scientists who are developing a treatment for sickle cell disease.
Scedamin is a pediatric formulation of hydroxyurea being developed by Yunigen Inc., a pharmaceutical company led by Kenyan scientists Dr Wycliffe Omwancha (president and chief scientific officer) and Charles Otieno (CEO and vice president).
Mudavadi met the two during his visit to Morgantown, West Virginia in the US.
“No man is limited” perfectly captures the spirit of Kenyans I met during my visit to Morgantown, West Virginia. Led by Wycliffe Omwancha and Charles Otieno of Yunigen, these brilliant scientists are developing a groundbreaking pediatric sickle cell treatment, Scedamin, set to transform the lives of millions of children globally,” he said.
Scedamin is a pediatric formulation of hydroxyurea designed to treat children aged nine months and older who are living with sickle cell disease.
Hydroxyurea has long been recognised for its efficacy in reducing painful crises, the need for blood transfusions, and the risk of infections and malaria in sickle cell disease patients.
“Their innovation is a testament to Kenya’s talent, determination and global impact,” Mudavadi said.
The medication addresses several challenges associated with administering hydroxyurea to children.
Hydroxyurea has been shown to reduce painful crises, the need for blood transfusions, and the risk of infections and malaria in children with sickle cell disease.
Unlike traditional capsules that require breaking open—a process that can lead to dosing inaccuracies—Scedamin is a dissolvable tablet that is easy to administer, portable and does not require refrigeration.
This makes it particularly suitable for use in rural and resource-limited settings.
The significance of the development is underscored by the fact that approximately 70 per cent of the 120 million people worldwide living with sickle cell disease reside in Africa.
Data shows that each year, about 240,000 children are born with the disease in Africa, yet less than two per cent receive treatment.
Tragically, between 50 per cent and 80 per cent of these children die before reaching the age of five.
By providing a cost-effective, easy-to-administer, and stable formulation of hydroxyurea, Scedamin has the potential to improve health outcomes for thousands of children affected by the condition.
During the launch of the treatment, Otieno said their goal and mission was to manufacture quality and affordable medications.
“Our target markets are emerging markets where we know the cost of medications is very pricey and quality is an issue,” he added.
The launch of Scedamin has garnered support from the Kenyan government.
Mudavadi attended the official launch at Yunigen's facility in Morgantown, West Virginia, during his visit to the United States for the UN General Assembly in September last year.
He emphasised the need for continued international collaboration to strengthen efforts against sickle cell disease and improve the lives of affected children.
During his latest visit, he was joined by West Virginia Senators Jack Woodrum, Glenn Jeffries, Jay Taylor, Tom Takubo, and Kenya’s Ambassador to the US, David Kerich, in celebrating this inspiring work.
