AstraZeneca and Sun Pharma Partner to Broaden Access to Hyperkalaemia Treatment in India

AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited have announced a second exclusive brand partnership in India for Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC), an innovative treatment for Hyperkalaemia (dangerously high potassium levels in the blood).

The collaboration’s primary goal is to leverage the marketing and distribution strengths of both pharmaceutical giants to dramatically increase the availability of this life-changing therapy to a wider patient population across India.

The Drug and the Partnership Structure

Detail	AstraZeneca’s Brand	Sun Pharma’s Brand
Molecule	Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC)	Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC)
Therapy Use	Treatment of Hyperkalaemia in adults	Treatment of Hyperkalaemia in adults
Brand Name	Lokelma®	Gimliand®
Agreement Type	Brand Partnership (Promotion, Marketing, Distribution)
IP/License Holder	AstraZeneca retains Intellectual Property rights, Marketing Authorisation, and the Import License for SZC.

This “co-marketing” model allows the drug to be promoted under two separate brands by two different sales forces, drastically increasing its reach.

Importance of SZC in Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia is a serious and often silent condition, defined by elevated serum potassium levels, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

Risk Population: It disproportionately affects patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (up to 50% prevalence) and those with Heart Failure (HF) (up to 42% prevalence), especially when they are treated with essential RAAS inhibitor therapies.
The Clinical Dilemma: Physicians often have to reduce or discontinue RAAS inhibitor therapy to control potassium levels. However, this action can compromise heart and kidney outcomes and increase the risk of mortality.
Mortality Risk: In India, mortality associated with Hyperkalaemia has been reported at a high 22.2%.
SZC’s Role: Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate is a rapid, effective, and generally well-tolerated potassium-removing agent (potassium binder). It works by binding excess potassium in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing it to be excreted in the stool, thereby lowering serum potassium levels without forcing a reduction in vital cardiorenal medications.

Leadership Commentary

Praveen Rao Akkinepally, Country President & MD, AstraZeneca Pharma India: Stressed that the partnership reaffirms AstraZeneca’s purpose to deliver innovative, life-changing medicines and is aimed at improving early screening, diagnosis, and adoption of guideline-directed medical therapy.
Kirti Ganorkar, MD, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries: Highlighted that the addition of SZC to Sun Pharma’s portfolio strengthens its commitment to improving care for patients with CKD. He emphasized that Sun Pharma, as India’s largest pharmaceutical company with a 15,000-strong field force, is uniquely positioned to expand access to this innovative treatment.

This strategic move is expected to significantly improve the management of Hyperkalaemia and contribute to better patient outcomes nationwide.