Sun pharma signs exclusive deal with LIB Therapeutics for cholesterol drug Lerodalcibep outside US, China

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Monday said it has entered into an exclusive agreement with US-based LIB Therapeutics to manufacture, commercialise and globally license lerodalcibep in all markets outside the United States and China.

Lerodalcibep is a once-monthly PCSK9 inhibitor used to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and is indicated for adult patients with hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia. PCSK9 inhibitors are a class of medicines that lower LDL cholesterol by blocking the PCSK9 protein, which plays a role in regulating cholesterol levels in the blood.

Under the terms of the agreement, LIB Therapeutics will receive upfront and future milestone payments from Sun Pharma, in addition to royalties linked to net sales of the drug in the licensed territories. The companies have not disclosed the other financial and commercial terms of the agreement.

Sun pharma to expand cardiovascular medicines portfolio

The agreement comes shortly after lerodalcibep received marketing authorisation from the European Commission on September 21, 2026, under the brand name Lyrokaul. In the US, the drug has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the brand name Lerochol.

Sun Pharma said the agreement will strengthen its Innovative Medicines portfolio by providing access to the PCSK9 inhibitor market outside the US and China. The company estimates that the market is worth around USD 3.7 billion and is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38%. Europe accounted for USD 2.9 billion of the market in MAT Q2 2026, it added.

Once-monthly dosing offers convenience for patients

"Once-monthly lerodalcibep dosing, with robust LDL-C reduction and the added benefits of a small-volume injection and six-month ambient storage, simplifies treatment for patients and offers greater convenience," Kirti W Ganorkar, Managing Director of Sun Pharma, said.

He added that the agreement marks a significant step in strengthening Sun Pharma's global Innovative Medicines portfolio, particularly in cardiovascular care. With exclusive rights outside the US and China, the company expects to expand access to the treatment across global markets.

Sun Pharma will also be responsible for pursuing regulatory approvals for lerodalcibep in licensed territories where the medicine has not yet received approval. The company said the deal will enable it to build on its presence in innovative medicines while expanding its cardiovascular care portfolio across international markets.