Highlights

• AstraZeneca and Sun Pharma enter a second brand partnership for Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate in India.
• The arrangement includes a Distribution Services Agreement with consideration of ₹26 crore.
• Both companies will market the therapy under separate brand names to expand reach across India.

AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited (NSE:ASTRAZEN) and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NSE:SUNPHARMA) have formalised a new distribution partnership to widen access to Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC), a treatment for Hyperkalaemia. The collaboration marks the second brand partnership between the two companies for this molecule in India.

The agreement aims to improve access to SZC therapy for patients living with Hyperkalaemia across India. AstraZeneca has shared the formal intimation with stock exchanges, including BSE and NSE, along with the required details under SEBI guidelines.

Dual-Brand Strategy to Expand Availability

Under the agreement, both companies will promote and distribute SZC under separate brand names. AstraZeneca will continue to market the therapy as Lokelma®, while Sun Pharma will distribute the product under the brand name Gimliand®. AstraZeneca will retain intellectual property rights for SZC, along with the Marketing Authorization and import license for the molecule.

As part of the arrangement, AstraZeneca will receive consideration of ₹26 crore from Sun Pharma, including an upfront payment and sales milestone components.

Addressing the Burden of Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia is a clinically significant condition often associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF), particularly in patients receiving renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor therapy. According to published data, the condition affects up to 50% of CKD patients and 42% of those with chronic HF. Mortality associated with Hyperkalaemia in India has been reported at 22.2%.

SZC has been noted in clinical literature as a rapid and effective option for managing elevated serum potassium levels. By introducing a second brand partnership, the companies aim to accelerate accessibility for patients requiring this therapy.

Distribution Strength and Market Presence

Sun Pharma holds an 8.3% share in the Indian pharmaceutical market and leads prescription volumes across multiple specialties. With a field force of approximately 15,000, the company maintains wide coverage in chronic and acute therapy segments. This distribution capability is positioned to support broader availability of SZC across the country.

AstraZeneca, marking 45 years in India, continues to operate across key therapy areas including Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, Respiratory, Immunology, and Rare Disease. The company’s portfolio and national footprint place it among India’s prominent science-led biopharmaceutical entities.

Agreement Terms Included in Exchange Filing

The agreement with Sun Pharma is domestic in scope and exclusively designates the distribution of SZC under the Gimliand brand in India. The arrangement is not classified as a related-party transaction, and Sun Pharma reported consolidated revenue of ₹52,041 crore for FY 2024-25.

ASTRAZEN shres were trading at ₹9,152.00 per share during the trading session on 18 November 2025.

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