Sun Pharma Inks Licencing Agreement with Zydus Lifesciences for Co-Marketing of CKD Related Novel Drug in India

As per the agreement, Zydus has granted Sun Pharma semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India under the brand name RYTSTAT. While, Zydus has already been marketing this drug since 2022, under the brand name Oxemia and will further continue to market it.

India’s multinational pharma player, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has inked a licencing agreement with Zydus Lifesciences Limited to co-market Desidustat, a novel drug, in India.

Desidustat is a first-of-its-kind oral treatment for anaemia associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The clinical development programme of Desidustat was one of the largest trials of its kind in India for anaemia in CKD patients, conducted with over 1200 subjects. Desidustat provides CKD patients with an oral, convenient therapeutic option for the treatment of anaemia.

As per the agreement, Zydus has granted Sun Pharma semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India under the brand name RYTSTAT. While, Zydus has already been marketing this drug since 2022, under the brand name Oxemia and will further continue to market it.

However, Zydus will receive upfront licencing income and is eligible to receive royalty income based on the achievement of pre-defined milestones.

Sharing her views on the collaboration, Kirti Ganorkar, CEO, India Business, Sun Pharma said, "The addition of RYTSTAT further strengthens our nephrology portfolio in India. This partnership will allow greater access to critical therapy, helping millions of patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease. At Sun, it has always been our endeavour to introduce innovative products that help improve the quality of life of patients."

Reportedly, more than 115 million people in India suffer from CKD, which is predicted to become one of the most common causes of premature death by 2040 globally.

CKD is a serious medical condition characterised by a gradual loss of kidney function, usually accompanied by other comorbidities including anaemia, cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, heart failure and stroke), and diabetes mellitus, eventually leading to kidney failure.

Founded in 1983, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, also known as Sun Pharma, is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company that manufactures and sells pharmaceutical formulations and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in more than 100 countries across the globe.

Further, it aims to promote excellence through strategic innovation, which is supported by strong R&D capabilities that include about 2,000 scientists and R&D spending of more than 7-8% of annual revenues.

Zydus Lifesciences, formerly known as Cadila Healthcare Limited, is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company founded in 1952 by Ramanbhai Patel. The company is thoroughly engaged in producing formulations for active pharmaceutical ingredients, animal healthcare products, and wellness products.

Globally, the group is well-represented in the highly visible markets of Latin America and South Africa as well as the regulated markets of the US and Europe (France and Spain). It is also well-established in 25 other developing markets throughout the world.

Last month, Sun Pharma inked an agreement with US-based Pharmazz on cerebral ischemic stroke drug Soveteltide under the brand name Tyvalzi. With this initiative, the Mumbai-based Indian multinational pharmaceutical company aims to provide high-quality, affordable medicines trusted by healthcare professionals and patient