Torrent Pharma Signs Pact with Tekeda to Commercialise GERD Drug

Torrent Pharmaceuticals announced that it has signed a non-exclusive patent licensing arrangement with Takeda to commercialize Vonoprazan in India. Vonoprozan is a new potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) that treats acid-related illnesses such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. 

According to a statement from Kabvie, Torrent will market Vonoprazan under its own trademark. "I am confident that the launch of Kabvie will aid in reducing the disease burden of GERD and further strengthen our gastrointestinal offerings, augmenting our position as a leading player within the Indian pharmaceutical market," Torrent Director Aman Mehta said.

According to a 2019 study published in the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology, the incidence of GERD in the Indian population is around 8.2%, with an even greater prevalence of roughly 11.1% in urban areas. According to AWACS MAT April 2024 statistics, the Indian market for GERD therapies is valued at Rs 8,064 crore, with an 8% CAGR over the last four years.

Treatments for GERD include Pantoprazole (Proton Pump Inhibitors). The availability of P-CABs such as Kabvie will allow the Indian people to access innovative and effective GERD treatments, according to Torrent Pharma.

Takeda Pharmaceutical firm Limited is a Japanese global drug firm. It is Asia's third largest pharmaceutical company, trailing only Sinopharm and Shanghai Pharmaceuticals, and one among the world's top twenty in terms of revenue.