Mumbai-based Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences have entered into a licensing agreement to co-market an innovative drug, Desidustat in India. Desidustat is first-of-its-kind oral treatment for anaemia associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in India.

Under the terms of this agreement, Zydus has granted Sun Pharma semi-exclusive rights to comarket the product in India. Sun Pharma will market the drug under the brand name RYTSTAT®.

Zydus launched the drug under the brand name Oxemia™ in 2022 and will continue to market it. 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." 

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 anaemia. 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.