After Torrent, Takeda Partners with Cipla and Sun Pharma to Commercialize Gastro-Drug Vonoprazan

Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda has granted rights to Indian firms Cipla and Sun Pharma to commercialize its gastrointestinal drug Vonoprazan in India. The drug is sold under the brand name ‘Voltapraz’ and, according to a release by Sun Pharma, helps patients by blocking a key step in the production of stomach acid.

Vonoprazan achieves this by preventing the binding of potassium ions to H+ K+ ATPase (proton pump) in gastric parietal cells in the stomach. This action reduces both stimulated and basal gastric secretion.

In addition to treating gastrointestinal reflux, the drug is also effective in treating related disorders such as duodenal ulcers, peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers, erosive oesophagitis, and reflux oesophagitis. Patients requiring Helicobacter pylori eradication can also benefit from Vonoprazan.

In India, the drug has been approved for the treatment of all the listed disorders.

A day before Sun Pharma’s announcement, Cipla disclosed details of its end of the agreement. While Cipla has decided to commercialize the drug under its trademark, Sun Pharma will market 10 mg Vonoprazan tablets under the brand name Voltapraz.

Under the agreement, both drugmakers have been granted non-exclusive patent rights for the drug by Takeda. The gastrointestinal drug is being sold in tablet form and is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker.

Apart from Cipla and Sun Pharma, Takeda has been seeking other partners to commercialize its drug in India. Earlier this month, Takeda signed an agreement with Torrent Pharmaceuticals, which will also work towards commercializing Vonoprazan in India.

Between 5% and 28.5% of the Indian population is affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease is common irrespective of geographical location, but dietary and lifestyle choices, such as tea and coffee intake, vegetarian diet, alcohol, and tobacco consumption, are considered risk factors. Body Mass Index (BMI) and age are also considered risk factors for GERD.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Vonoprazan for the healing of all grades of erosive esophagitis in November 2023. Additionally, the treatment was approved for the relief of heartburn associated with erosive esophagitis. In adults infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), Vonoprazan can be taken with amoxicillin alone or in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin.

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