Sun Pharma to market Zydus’ novel anti-CKD drug desidustat in India

It has entered into a licensing agreement with Zydus Lifesciences to co-market the latter’s drug desidustat in India, used in treatment for anemia associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
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.
“The addition of RYTSTAT further strengthens our nephrology portfolio in India,” said Kirti Ganorkar, CEO – India Business, Sun Pharma.
A spokesperson from Zydus Lifesciences saud the partnership with Sun Pharma will help expand the reach of the novel medicine by enabling access to more patients.
CKD is progressive medical condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function.
More than 115 million people in India suffer from CKD..
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.
Desidustat comes as an alternative to ESAs, in a pill form reducing the burden of managing the disease by providing treatment at an affordable cost along with ease of convenience.
Source: IndiaTimes