AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited has announced a change in its leadership team. Dr. Ajay Sharma, the company's Director of Corporate Affairs, has decided to pursue his career outside the organization.

Key Details of the Resignation

Company's Response

AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited has acknowledged Dr. Sharma's decision and is actively searching for a suitable replacement for the position. The company has expressed its best wishes for Dr. Sharma's future endeavors.

Transition Period

Dr. Sharma will continue in his role during a handover period, which is set to conclude by the close of business hours on November 26, 2025. This transition period is aimed at ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibilities and maintaining continuity in the company's corporate affairs operations.

Regulatory Compliance

In line with regulatory requirements, AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited has made this announcement pursuant to Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015. The company has informed both the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited about this development.

AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited (AstraZeneca) and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Sun Pharma) have announced a strategic partnership to expand the availability of a crucial treatment for hyperkalaemia in India. This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing a condition that affects a substantial number of patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure in the country.

Key Points of the Agreement

• Exclusive Distribution: The agreement grants exclusive distribution rights for Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC), a treatment for hyperkalaemia.
• Dual Branding Strategy: Both companies will market SZC under different brand names - AstraZeneca as Lokelma® and Sun Pharma as Gimliand®.
• Intellectual Property: AstraZeneca retains the intellectual property rights and marketing authorization for SZC.
• Financial Terms: AstraZeneca will receive Rs. 26.00 crores, comprising upfront fees and sales milestone payments.

Impact on Patient Care

This partnership aims to significantly improve access to SZC across India. Hyperkalaemia, a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, affects up to 50% of patients with chronic kidney disease and 42% of those with chronic heart failure. In India, the mortality rate associated with hyperkalaemia has been reported at 22.20%, underscoring the critical need for effective treatments.

Market Positioning

Sun Pharma, as India's largest pharmaceutical company with an 8.30% market share, brings its extensive distribution network and strong presence in chronic therapies to the partnership. This collaboration is expected to leverage Sun Pharma's reach to enhance the availability of this innovative treatment.

Executive Statements

Praveen Rao Akkinepally, Country President & Managing Director of AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, emphasized the company's commitment to improving patient outcomes through early screening, diagnosis, and adoption of guideline-directed medical therapy.

Kirti Ganorkar, Managing Director of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, highlighted the partnership's alignment with Sun Pharma's focus on addressing challenges in chronic kidney disease management and improving patients' quality of life.

Conclusion

This strategic partnership between AstraZeneca and Sun Pharma represents a significant development in the Indian pharmaceutical landscape. By combining AstraZeneca's innovative medicine with Sun Pharma's extensive market presence, the collaboration aims to address the pressing need for effective hyperkalaemia treatment in India, potentially improving outcomes for a large patient population affected by this condition.