AstraZeneca Pharma India and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries have entered into a partnership to increase access to Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC), a medicine used for managing hyperkalaemia—a condition caused by high potassium levels in the blood. This therapy is especially important for patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and heart failure.
AstraZeneca & Sun Pharma Partner to Boost Access to Hyperkalaemia Drug SZC in India
Dual-Brand Strategy for Wider Reach
Under this collaboration, both companies will promote and distribute SZC separately, using a dual-brand approach:
| Company | Brand Name for SZC |
|---|---|
| AstraZeneca | Lokelma |
| Sun Pharma | Gimliand |
This model will help the drug reach more hospitals and clinics across India, without changing AstraZeneca’s ownership of the molecule.
Intellectual Property & Regulatory Rights Remain with AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca will continue to hold:
- Intellectual property rights
- Marketing authorisation
- Import licence for SZC in India
The company stated that the partnership will help improve access for patients who need regular monitoring and control of potassium levels due to kidney or cardiac issues.
Hyperkalaemia: A Growing Health Concern
Hyperkalaemia is a serious condition linked to increased potassium levels, commonly seen in:
- Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Patients with chronic heart failure
- Individuals receiving RAAS inhibitor therapy
Industry estimates show that up to 50% of CKD patients and 42% of chronic heart failure patients experience hyperkalaemia, which indicates a large need for effective treatment options such as SZC.
Sun Pharma’s Strong Distribution Network
Sun Pharma, with a medical field force of around 15,000 professionals, is expected to improve the reach of this treatment across India’s healthcare system. Both companies aim to strengthen patient outcomes and ensure wider access to advanced therapies.
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- Therapy: Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) is used to manage hyperkalaemia.
- Brand Names: AstraZeneca — Lokelma; Sun Pharma — Gimliand
- Rights: AstraZeneca retains IP, marketing authorisation, and import control.
- Disease Burden: Hyperkalaemia affects up to 50% of CKD patients and 42% of chronic heart failure patients.
- Sun Pharma Workforce: Approx. 15,000 field personnel supporting distribution.
Question & Answer
Q1. Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) is primarily used to treat:
(a) Diabetes
(b) Hyperkalaemia
(c) Hypertension
(d) Anaemia
Answer: Hyperkalaemia
Q2. AstraZeneca markets SZC in India under which brand name?
(a) Gimliand
(b) Lokelma
(c) Covaxin
(d) CardioPlus
Answer: Lokelma
Q3. Which company will sell SZC under the brand Gimliand?
(a) Cipla
(b) Sun Pharma
(c) Biocon
(d) Lupin
Answer: Sun Pharma
Q4. Hyperkalaemia affects approximately how many CKD patients?
(a) 10%
(b) 25%
(c) 50%
(d) 75%
Answer: 50%
Q5. Which organisation retains IP rights and marketing authorisation for SZC in India?
(a) Sun Pharma
(b) WHO
(c) AstraZeneca
(d) Serum Institute of India
Answer: AstraZeneca
Q6. Sun Pharma’s field force strength is approximately:
(a) 5,000
(b) 8,000
(c) 15,000
(d) 25,000
Answer: 15,000
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