Zydus Lifesciences and Lupin have entered into a licensing and supply agreement to co-market, Saroglitazar Mg for the treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH) in India. With a once daily, 4mg dose regimen, Saroglitazar Mg enables better compliance, reduces the pill burden and offers the patient more convenience.
Under the terms of this agreement, Lupin will have semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India under the brand name LINVAS. Zydus launched the drug under the brand names Lipaglyn and Bilypsa and will continue to market them. Lupin will pay Zydus upfront licensing fees and milestone payments based on the achievement of pre-defined milestones.
In India, NAFLD is not only a concern for obese or patients with Diabetes Mellitus, but it has also been observed that NAFLD can develop in the absence of obesity, which is termed ‘lean’ NAFLD. The number of NAFLD/NASH patients has significantly increased due to the growth in obesity and other lifestyle-related illnesses.
Zydus Lifesciences (formerly known as Cadila Healthcare) is an India-based pharmaceutical company.
