AstraZeneca and Sun Pharma Partner to Market Hyperkalaemia Drug in India

AstraZeneca Pharma India and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries have formed a new partnership to expand access to Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC), a key therapy for managing hyperkalaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure. The collaboration aims to increase nationwide availability through dual-brand marketing.

Dual-Brand Strategy to Expand Market Reach

Under the agreement, both companies will promote and distribute SZC independently. AstraZeneca will market the drug under the brand Lokelma, while Sun Pharma will introduce it as Gimliand. This dual-brand model is expected to strengthen penetration across diverse healthcare settings without altering AstraZeneca’s ownership of the molecule.

Intellectual Property and Regulatory Control Retained

AstraZeneca will continue to hold intellectual property rights, marketing authorisation and the import licence for SZC in India. The company emphasised that the partnership would help scale up access to an essential therapy for patients who require regular potassium management due to underlying renal or cardiac conditions.

Addressing the Growing Burden of Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia is a serious clinical condition associated with elevated potassium levels, often seen in patients with CKD and heart failure, particularly those on RAAS inhibitor therapy. Industry estimates indicate that the condition affects up to half of all CKD patients and around 42 per cent of those with chronic heart failure, highlighting a substantial treatment need.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate is used to manage hyperkalaemia in CKD and heart failure.
• AstraZeneca will market the drug as Lokelma; Sun Pharma will sell it as Gimliand.
• AstraZeneca retains IP rights, marketing authorisation and import control.
• Hyperkalaemia affects up to 50% of CKD patients and 42% of chronic HF patients.

Strengthening Access Through India’s Largest Pharma Network

Sun Pharma, with a field force of about 15,000 across chronic and acute care, is expected to expand the therapy’s availability deeper into the healthcare system. Both companies state that the partnership reinforces their commitment to improving patient outcomes by ensuring broader access to advanced, evidence-based treatments.