Strides Pharma Science has forged a strategic partnership with Incepta Pharmaceuticals to market the world’s first WHO-prequalified generic version of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC), a long-acting contraceptive, across Africa. The initiative aims to improve women’s access to affordable and high-quality reproductive health options.
Developed by Incepta Pharmaceuticals under the brand name Medogen SubQ, and supported by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this development marks a key milestone in breaking the single-source bottleneck of DMPA-SC supply. The prequalification allows broader procurement at affordable prices, improving access in underserved regions.
DMPA-SC is a three-month contraceptive that can be self-administered or provided by trained healthcare workers, offering women convenience, discretion, and greater control over their reproductive choices. With over 250 million women globally still lacking access to modern contraception, the availability of this WHO-prequalified generic product is expected to help bridge critical gaps in reproductive healthcare.
Aditya Kumar, Executive Director, Business Development at Strides, said, “The collaboration with Incepta reflects our commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable, and high-quality contraceptive medicines that help improve women’s lives. By bringing the WHO-prequalified product to Africa, we aim to empower women to take greater control of their reproductive health.”
Abdul Muktadir, Chairman and Managing Director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals, added, “Achieving WHO prequalification for our DMPA-SC product demonstrates our commitment to public health and accessibility. We look forward to working with Strides to expand access and improve reproductive health outcomes globally.”
This initiative underscores Strides’ strategic focus on women’s health and its ongoing efforts to strengthen its branded generics portfolio in Africa, which includes products like Vitafer and L-Gest. The collaboration reinforces the company’s mission to advance impactful global partnerships and expand access to essential healthcare solutions. |
