Strides Pharma Science Ltd. announced that one of its step-down wholly owned subsidiaries will market the world’s first WHO-prequalified generic version of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) in Africa. The move is expected to expand access to affordable, high-quality reproductive health solutions for women across the continent.
The product, developed by Incepta Pharmaceuticals under the brand Medogen SubQ, has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification—a milestone supported by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The WHO prequalification diversifies the global supply of DMPA-SC, which has long faced a single-source bottleneck, enabling health systems to procure at more affordable prices and improve supply security.
DMPA-SC is a three-month injectable contraceptive that can be administered by healthcare workers or self-injected after proper training. Its discretion, convenience, and ease of use make it a transformative option for women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to contraception remains limited.
Globally, over 250 million women still lack access to modern contraceptives—making this generic launch a significant step toward meeting an unmet public health need.
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 expand choice and access for women, enabling them to take greater control of their reproductive health.”
He added that this collaboration strengthens Strides’ Women’s Health franchise in Africa, which already includes leading brands such as Vitafer and L-Gest, and underscores the company’s focus on long-acting, reversible contraceptive options.
Abdul Muktadir, Chairman and Managing Director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals, commented:
“We are proud to have achieved WHO prequalification for our DMPA-SC product. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to advancing public health and making essential medicines accessible to women across the world. We look forward to working with Strides to bring this product to market and improve reproductive health outcomes at scale.”
The milestone reinforces Strides’ strategy of leveraging global collaborations, regulatory capabilities, and its established presence in Africa to deliver impactful healthcare solutions.
According to the company, women’s health remains a cornerstone of Strides’ branded generics portfolio. The organization continues to invest in strategic partnerships that address key global health challenges and improve access to essential medicines.
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