Lupin Joins Hands with Zydus to Co-Market Saroglitazar Mg for Chronic Liver Diseases in India

Under this alliance, Lupin obtained semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India under the brand name LINVAS®, while Zydus continues marketing the drug under the brand names Lipaglyn® and Bilypsa®.

Pharmaceutical giants Lupin Limited and Zydus Lifesciences have formed licencing and supply partnership to co-market Saroglitazar Mg. This is to address Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH) in India. 

The primary objective of this collaboration is to introduce a potentially effective treatment for chronic liver diseases in the country. 

Under this alliance, Lupin obtained semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India under the brand name LINVAS®, while Zydus continues marketing the drug under the brand names Lipaglyn® and Bilypsa®.
Commenting on the same, Dr Sharvil Patel, managing director of Zydus Lifesciences, said, "Saroglitazar Mg, which is one of the essential treatments for patients with NAFLD and NASH, has substantially improved patients' quality of life. We are pleased to join hands with Lupin to enable access to this novel drug and thereby expand its reach."
As per Patel, Saroglitazar Mg stands out due to its unique dual properties of PPAR alpha and gamma. Initially launched in India in September 2013, the drug primarily targeted the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia in patients with type-2 diabetes not adequately controlled by statins.

“Over 1.5 million patients have benefited from its usage, reducing associated co-morbidities," Patel added.

The prevalence of NAFLD and NASH in India is not confined to individuals with obesity or diabetes; a significant number of cases occur in non-obese individuals, termed “lean” NAFLD. The rise in these conditions correlates with increased obesity and lifestyle-related illnesses.
Previously, in January 2020, Saroglitazar Mg was approved for treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. In March 2020, Saroglitazar Mg received approval for the treatment of NASH. Later that year, the drug was also approved for the treatment of NAFLD.

In parallel developments, in October, Lupin Limited introduced Humrahi, a patient support program focused on diabetes management, concentrating on adherence, behavioural support, and transformation. 

Meanwhile, Zydus Lifesciences collaborated with Guardant Health, a US-based precision oncology leader, to introduce advanced biopsy tests in India and Nepal, addressing the need for improved cancer treatment options. 

Additionally, Zydus Lifesciences acquired the UK-based LiqMeds Group, further strengthening its position in the pharmaceutical domain.