AstraZeneca, Sun Pharma Partner to Distribute Hyperkalaemia Treatment Across India

An exclusive brand alliance was established on 18 November by AstraZeneca Pharma India and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries to increase the availability of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), a therapy for hyperkalaemia, in the Indian market. Both businesses will market and distribute SZC under different brand names as part of the agreement.

Sun Pharma will offer the product under the name Gimliand, while AstraZeneca will market it under the name Lokelma. The molecule's import licence, marketing authorisation, and intellectual property rights will all remain under AstraZeneca's control. AstraZeneca Pharma India's country president and managing director, Praveen Rao Akkinepally, stated that the company wants to change healthcare by promoting early diagnosis, screening, and the use of medication that follows guidelines in order to enhance patient outcomes. AstraZeneca's mission to provide patients with hyperkalaemia throughout India with cutting-edge, life-altering medications is reaffirmed by our collaboration with Sun Pharma for SZC.

What is Hyperkalaemia?

Patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, may have hyperkalaemia, a condition marked by increased potassium levels. According to studies cited by the corporations, up to 50% of patients with chronic kidney disease and 42% of those with chronic heart failure suffer from the syndrome. In India, hyperkalaemia-related mortality has been observed to be 22.2%. Clinical studies have shown that SZC is a quick and usually well-tolerated way to address elevated potassium levels.

The Collaboration will Make SZC Accessible to More Consumers

With a substantial presence in both acute and chronic treatments, Sun Pharma is the biggest pharmaceutical firm in India based on market share. On the other hand, with 45 years of experience in India, AstraZeneca specialises in treatments for uncommon metabolic, cardiovascular, renal, oncological, and respiratory conditions. The collaboration, according to the firms, is to make SZC more accessible to individuals in need of hyperkalaemia treatment.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' managing director, Kirti Ganorkar, stated that the business is thrilled to work with AstraZeneca to address the rising problem of hyperkalaemia in India. Sun Pharma's continuous dedication to enhancing the care of patients with chronic kidney disease is demonstrated by the inclusion of SZC in its portfolio.