Dr Reddy’s inks license agreement with Pharmazz to commercialise Centhaquine (Lyfaquin) in India

Hyderabad: Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd has entered into a license agreement with Pharmazz, Inc to commercialise the first-in-class innovative drug Centhaquine in India. Developed by Pharmazz, Centhaquine is a resuscitative agent presently indicated for the treatment of hypovolemic shock by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

As per the agreement, Dr Reddy's has received exclusive rights to market and distribute Centhaquine in India. Pharmazz will be entitled to upfront payments and royalties. Dr Reddy’s will market the product under the brand name Lyfaquin, which it shall own. In addition to India, Dr Reddy’s also receives marketing rights for Lyfaquin from Pharmazz for Nepal.

MV Ramana, Chief Executive Officer, Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets), Dr Reddy’s, said, "The partnership with Pharmazz and launch of this first-in-class drug marks the latest in our effort to enter into strategic collaborations to bring novel molecules to India to meet genuine unmet patient needs. The clinical studies for Lyfaquin have demonstrated significantly better and promising outcomes, making it as a potential add-on drug in the management of hypovolemic shock and enhancing the current standard of care for its treatment in India."

Dr Prof Anil Gulati, CEO and Chairman, Board of Directors, Pharmazz, said, "India's emergence as a hub for developing and introducing innovative medicines is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the country's growing capabilities in research and development within the pharmaceutical sector. It is a large step for Pharmazz to partner with Dr Reddy's, a leading global pharmaceutical company from India. For patients with hypovolemic shock, I believe Dr Reddy's is the best partner for Pharmazz to market Centhaquine, an innovative, first-in-class novel resuscitative agent, in India."

Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening and often a fatal condition. Severe loss of blood or fluids due to traumatic haemorrhage, postpartum haemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, post-surgical bleeding, diarrhoea or vomiting can cause hypovolemic shock, which may lead to multi-organ failure and death. India has a high prevalence of these conditions and high mortality due to these conditions. Data from various Indian studies and registries suggests a mortality rate of around 10 to 15 per cent in traumatic haemorrhages despite the existing standard of care. This suggests a need for a novel resuscitative agent which can improve the existing standard of care.