Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has partnered with AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited to increase the availability of Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC), a treatment for Hyperkalaemia, in India. Under the agreement, both companies will market and distribute SZC under different brand names, with AstraZeneca marketing it as Lokelma® and Sun Pharma as Gimliand®. This collaboration aims to enhance patient access to Hyperkalaemia treatment across India.
Collaboration for Hyperkalaemia Treatment
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited and AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited have entered into a brand partnership to expand the availability of Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) in India. This agreement, announced on November 17, 2025, aims to provide a highly effective treatment for Hyperkalaemia to a larger patient population across India.
Key Agreement Details
Under the partnership, both companies will promote, market, and distribute SZC in India under separate brand names. AstraZeneca will market SZC as Lokelma®, while Sun Pharma will promote and distribute the therapy as Gimliand®. AstraZeneca will retain the intellectual property rights and Marketing Authorisation for SZC.
Statements from Leadership
Praveen Rao Akkinepally, Country President & Managing Director of AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, stated that this partnership reaffirms AstraZeneca’s purpose to deliver innovative medicines and build robust pathways to reach patients with Hyperkalaemia. Kirti Ganorkar, Managing Director of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, expressed delight in joining hands with AstraZeneca to address the growing challenge of Hyperkalaemia in India, highlighting Sun Pharma’s commitment to improving care for patients with chronic kidney disease.
About Hyperkalaemia
Hyperkalaemia is a clinically significant condition affecting patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF). It can lead to elevated serum potassium levels and often results in the reduction or discontinuation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor therapy. Prevalence estimates suggest Hyperkalaemia occurs in up to 50% of patients with CKD and 42% of patients with chronic HF.
Efficacy of Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC)
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) offers a rapid, effective, and generally well-tolerated treatment option for the management of Hyperkalaemia. Research indicates that SZC is a beneficial treatment for managing this condition.
Sun Pharma’s Market Position
Sun Pharma is the largest pharmaceutical company in India, holding an 8.3% market share and ranking number one in prescriptions across 13 different doctor categories. With a 15,000-strong field force, the company maintains a strong presence in both chronic and acute therapy segments.
Source: BSE
