New PCAB Drug Offers Faster Healing, Longer Acid Suppression; Strengthens Sun Pharma’s Specialty Portfolio
Mumbai, India – April 07, 2025 – Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NSE: SUNPHARMA, BSE: 524715), India’s largest pharmaceutical company, has launched Fexuclue® (Fexuprazan), a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB), for treating erosive esophagitis in adults. This breakthrough drug, developed in partnership with South Korea’s Daewoong Pharmaceutical, promises faster healing and superior symptom control compared to existing therapies.
Key Benefits of Fexuclue®
- Fast Onset & Stable Acid Suppression: Effective regardless of food intake.
- Longest Half-Life (9 Hours): Ensures prolonged acid suppression, optimizing nocturnal symptom relief.
- High Efficacy: Phase 3 trials showed over 95% healing rates in erosive esophagitis patients within 8 weeks.
Kirti Ganorkar, CEO of Sun Pharma’s India Business, emphasized, “Erosive esophagitis severely impacts patients’ lives. Fexuclue® addresses a critical unmet need with its best-in-class profile, aligning with our mission to deliver innovative therapies.”
Addressing India’s Growing GERD Burden
Erosive esophagitis, a severe form of GERD, affects nearly 9% of India’s GERD patients, with national GERD prevalence ranging from 7.6% to 30%. Current treatments often fail to provide complete healing, leaving patients with recurring symptoms. Fexuclue®’s launch positions Sun Pharma to capture a significant share of India’s gastrointestinal therapeutics market, valued at over ₹3,000 crore.
Strategic Partnership with Daewoong
Sun Pharma secured exclusive rights to manufacture and commercialize Fexuclue® in India under a licensing agreement with Daewoong Pharmaceutical. The deal includes upfront payments, milestones, and royalties, reflecting Sun Pharma’s aggressive strategy to expand its specialty drug portfolio. Daewoong, known for innovations like Enavogliflozin (diabetes), adds credibility to this collaboration.
Sun Pharma’s Financial Strength & Market Leadership
As the world’s leading specialty generics company, Sun Pharma reported 18% of global sales from high-margin specialty segments like dermatology and ophthalmology. Key financial highlights include:
- Global Reach: Operations in 100+ countries with manufacturing across six continents.
- Robust R&D Pipeline: Consistent investment in innovative therapies, bolstering long-term growth.
- Strong Balance Sheet: Stable cash flows from generics and strategic partnerships mitigate risks associated with milestone payments.
The launch of Fexuclue® aligns with Sun Pharma’s focus on high-growth specialty therapies, likely enhancing its revenue diversification and competitive edge in emerging markets.
Investor & Media Contacts
- Investors: Dr. Abhishek Sharma | abhi.sharma@sunpharma.com | +91 98196 86016
- Media: Gaurav Chugh | gaurav.chugh@sunpharma.com | +91 98104 71414
About Sun Pharma:
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (BSE: 524715, NSE: SUNPHARMA) is a global leader in generics and specialty pharmaceuticals, renowned for its vertically integrated operations and commitment to affordability. Learn more at www.sunpharma.com.