Zydus, Sun Pharma sign licensing agreement to co-market Desidustat

Zydus Lifesciences announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement with Sun Pharma to market an oral therapy drug for anaemia linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the nation.

According to a regulatory filing from Zydus, the businesses have engaged into a licencing arrangement to co-market the novel medication, Desidustat, in India.

It said that Zydus has given Sun Pharma semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India under the terms of the agreement. It further stated that Sun Pharma will sell the medication under the Rytstat brand.

The medication was introduced by Zydus in 2022 under the brand name Oxemia, and it will still be sold domestically. As part of the deal, Zydus will receive upfront licensing income and is eligible to receive milestone income based on achievement of pre-defined milestones, the drug firm noted.

"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 CKD," Sun Pharma CEO - India Business Kirti Ganorkar said.