Hydroxyurea To Treat Sickle Cell Disease in children

Current Context : The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organizations for the “joint development and commercialisation” of low dose or paediatric oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease in India.

ABOUT  SICKLE CELL AND HYDROXYUREA

• Sickle cell disease is a monogenic disorders of haemoglobin and hydroxyurea, a myelosuppressive agent, is an effective drug for treating patients of sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
• India has the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease in South Asia and over 20 million sickle cell affected individuals reside in the country.