Zydus Lifesciences unveils anti-diabetic drug molecule Sitagliptin in India

Ahmedabad: Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., a discovery-driven global lifesciences company has launched the molecule Sitagliptin in India under the brand names Sitaglyn and Siglyn to address Type 2 diabetes in India.

"Sitaglyn and Siglyn will add on to a comprehensive solution for the management of Type 2 diabetes by providing access to quality care to the patients at an affordable cost, approximately 60% lesser than the originator. Sitaglyn and Siglyn offer an oral solution to the patients providing ease of convenience and better compliance," the company stated in its recent release.

Sitagliptin is the gold standard in the Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP4i) category with over 62% market share in the global market. The drug provides best in class achievement of Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) goals with proven safety profile.

With more than 77 million active patients, India is the diabetes capital of the world after China. As per the data, 67% of these patients are unable to achieve their HbA1c goal.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. said "The addition of Sitaglyn and Siglyn to our diabetes portfolio will give patients access to a world-class oral therapy to help people manage their diabetes better by making it more affordable. Our high quality product will expand the reach of the molecule to patients in India, supported by our wide distribution network. The drug will help patients achieve their HbA1C goals reducing the disease burden and providing better patient-care and quality of life."

India's oral anti-diabetic market is worth Rs. 125 billion, of which DPP4i class of anti-diabetics has a share of more than Rs. 40 billion.

With the launch of these brands, Zydus expands its diabetes management offerings for patients and strengthens its presence in the anti-diabetic market.