Shares of Zydus Lifesciences advanced 1.16% to Rs 619.85 while those of Torrent Pharmaceuticals rose 0.11% to Rs 2050 on the BSE.

Saroglitazar Mg, is an innovative drug from Zydus approved by the DCGI to treat chronic liver diseases such as, non-alcoholic steato hepatitis (NASH) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 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 NASH and NAFLD anywhere else in the world.

As the only approved drug for NASH and NAFLD in the country, Saroglitazar Magnesium is likely to play a key role in managing and mitigating these progressive and prevalent liver disorders.

With a once daily, 4mg dose regimen, Saroglitazar Mg enables better compliance, reduces pill burden and offers greater convenience for patients.

Under the terms of this agreement, Torrent will have semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India under the brand name VORXAR. Zydus launched the drug under the brand names Lipaglyn and Bilypsa and will continue to market them. Torrent will pay Zydus upfront licensing fees and milestone payments based on the achievement of pre-defined milestones.

Dr. Sharvil Patel, managing director, Zydus Lifesciences, said, “This association with Torrent is testament to our long-term vision of expanding the reach of our drug. Our vision is to help empower patients with life changing discoveries powered by innovation. Saroglitazar Mg is one of the critical treatments for patients with NASH and NAFLD and bridges an unmet healthcare need.”

Zydus Lifesciences is a discovery-driven, global lifesciences company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of healthcare therapies.

The company consolidated net profit surged 53.2% to Rs 800.7 crore in Q2 FY24 as compared with Rs 522.5 crore posted in Q2 FY23. Revenue from operations rose 9.1% YoY to Rs 4,368.8 crore during the quarter ended 30 September 2023.