Sun Pharma and Zydus Lifesciences Partnership

Mumbai: Strengthening its position in the chronic kidney disease space, Sun Pharma is now going to offer Desidustat, the first-of-its-kind oral treatment for anemia associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in India under the brand name RYTSTAT.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited and Zydus Lifesciences Limited have announced that both companies have entered into a licensing agreement to co-market an innovative drug, Desidustat in India.

Under the terms of this agreement, Zydus has granted Sun Pharma semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India. Sun Pharma will market the drug under the brand name RYTSTAT. Zydus will receive upfront licensing income and is eligible to receive milestone income based on achievement of pre-defined milestones.

Commenting on the development, 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 a 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.”

More than 115 million people in India suffer from CKD, predicted to become one of the most common causes of premature death by 2040 globally. Patients with CKD often have to battle chronic fatigue caused by anemia. To address this, patients need to take injectable Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) about twice weekly. There was a long felt need for an oral, safer alternative to ESAs. HIF-PH inhibitors like Desidustat bridge this need. It reduces the burden of managing the disease by providing treatment at an affordable cost along with ease of convenience.

CKD is a serious, progressive medical condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function, usually accompanied by other comorbidities including:

• Anemia
• Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, heart failure and stroke)
• Diabetes mellitus

Eventually leading to kidney failure. CKD patients are often on multiple medications and have increased risk of drug-drug interactions. The clinical development programme of Desidustat was one of the largest trials of its kind in India for anemia in CKD patients, conducted in over 1200 subjects. Desidustat provides CKD patients with an oral, convenient therapeutic option for the treatment of anemia.

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