Sun Pharma Partners with Takeda to Introduce Vonoprazan in India

On June 21, 2024, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Sun Pharma and its subsidiaries and associate companies) signed a non-exclusive patent licensing agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

This agreement allows Sun Pharma to market Vonoprazan tablets, available in 10 and 20 mg doses, in India under the brand name “Voltapraz”. Vonoprazan is a new, orally taken drug that blocks stomach acid and is used to treat reflux esophagitis and other acid-related disorders. Under this agreement, Takeda has given Sun Pharma non-exclusive rights to sell Vonoprazan in India.

Kirti Ganorkar, CEO of Sun Pharma’s India Business, expressed enthusiasm about this development. He stated, “Sun Pharma is a leader in Gastroenterology, and we are excited to bring Vonoprazan to India through this partnership with Takeda. This collaboration shows our dedication to improving gastrointestinal health by offering patients and healthcare providers a new option for treating reflux esophagitis and other acid-related disorders.”

Addressing GERD Prevalence and Risk Factors in India

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is common in India, affecting people in both rural and urban areas. The prevalence of GERD in India ranges from 5% to 28.5%. Factors that increase the risk of GERD include age, high body mass index (BMI), a non-vegetarian diet, drinking tea or coffee, and using tobacco and alcohol.

FDA Approval

In November 2023, the US FDA approved Vonoprazan for healing and maintaining the healing of all grades of erosive esophagitis and relieving heartburn associated with it. It was also approved for treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in adults with antibiotics like amoxicillin and clarithromycin.

How Does Vonoprazan Work Against Acid-Related Disorders?

Discovered and developed by Takeda, Vonoprazan works by blocking potassium ions from binding to the proton pump in stomach cells, reducing basal and stimulating gastric acid secretion. The drug is approved for treating adults with reflux esophagitis and other acid-related disorders.

About Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited

Sun Pharma is the world’s leading speciality generics company, offering Specialty, Generics, and Consumer Healthcare products. It is the largest pharmaceutical company in India and a top generic company in the US and global emerging markets.

On June 21, 2024, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd’s share price opened at ₹1,480.10, touching the day’s high price of ₹1,488.00 as of 11:21 AM on the NSE.

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