Lupin and Zydus partner to combat liver disease and hepatitis

NEW DELHI: Lupin and Zydus Lifesciences announced they 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 pill burden, and offers greater convenience for patients, the companies’ said. Under the terms of this agreement, Lupin will have semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India under LINVAS. Zydus launched the drug under the brand 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.India is the first country to have a drug approved for these unmet medical needs. Currently, there is no approved drug for the treatment of NAFLD and NASH anywhere else in the world, the statement adds. 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.