Zydus’ biopharma arm acquires global proprietary rights for Progeria treatment

Ahmedabad: Sentynl Therapeutics Inc (Sentynl), a US-based biopharmaceutical company wholly owned by Ahmedabad-headquartered Zydus Lifesciences, recently completed the acquisition of global proprietary rights for Zokinvy. Zokinvy is the first and only US FDA-approved treatment targeting the cause and symptoms of Progeria in young people above 12 months of age.

Progeria, which encompasses Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) and Processing-Deficient Progeroid Laminopathies (PDPL), are ultra-rare, fatal, genetic premature aging diseases that accelerate mortality in young patients.

After receiving USFDA approval in 2020, Zokinvy also obtained approval in the European Union and Great Britain (2022) and in Japan (January 2024). This expansion of Zydus' portfolio includes medicines for rare diseases.

“This acquisition signifies an important milestone in expanding our portfolio of medicines for rare and orphan diseases, which can have devastating consequences if left untreated. We are dedicated to supporting patients in living healthier and more fulfilling lives,” stated a representative from Zydus.

“By adding Zokinvy to our portfolio of products, we aim to address the needs of rare disease patients, whose requirements are often unmet or disregarded,” commented Matt Heck, president & CEO of Sentynl.

Audrey Gordon, President and Executive Director of The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF), remarked, “Without Zokinvy therapy, children with Progeria succumb to the same heart disease that affects millions of normally aging adults, but at an average age of 14.5 years old. Zokinvy provides these beautiful children with longer, healthier lives.”