Zydus and Lupin forge alliance for NAFLD and NASH treatment in India

In a significant move within the pharmaceutical industry, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, renowned for its global lifesciences innovations, and Lupin Limited, a leading global pharma entity, have officially declared their collaboration. The two companies have established a licensing and supply agreement for the co-marketing of Saroglitazar Mg, a pivotal medication for the management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH) in India. This partnership is marked by an upfront licensing fee and milestone payments, bringing together the strengths of both organizations to enhance patient access to this essential treatment.

The treatment, known for its once-daily, 4mg dose regimen, promises better patient compliance, reduced pill burden, and greater convenience for those suffering from liver conditions. The agreement grants Lupin semi-exclusive rights to market the product under the brand name LINVAS, while Zydus will continue to market Saroglitazar Mg under its established brands, Lipaglyn and Bilypsa.

The prevalence of NAFLD and NASH is a growing concern in India, with an increasing number of patients suffering from these conditions due to obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases. This situation is further compounded by the presence of “lean” NAFLD, which can occur even in the absence of obesity.

Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “Our life-changing discoveries are empowering patients, enabling them to live healthier and more fulfilled lives. Saroglitazar Mg which is one of the critical treatments for patients with NAFLD and NASH has substantially improved the patients’ quality of life. We are pleased to join hands with Lupin to enable access to this novel drug and thereby expand the reach.”

Echoing this sentiment, Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director of Lupin, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are excited to partner with Zydus to market Saroglitazar Mg for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to grow and expand our offerings to meet unmet needs of patients in India. This partnership will further enhance our gastroenterology portfolio, offering better access to healthcare options to our patients and medical professionals.”

Saroglitazar Mg’s dual PPAR alpha and gamma properties make it a unique and effective option for treating liver conditions. Since its launch in India in 2013, the drug has benefited over 15 lakh patients, helping reduce associated co-morbidities such as dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and diabetes mellitus. With approvals for various treatments over the years, including NASH and NAFLD, Saroglitazar Mg stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of healthcare solutions in India.

This alliance is poised to create a significant impact on the healthcare options available for liver disease patients across India, marking a pivotal step in the management and treatment of NAFLD and NASH.