Novartis Introduces Prevacid24HR OTC Drug Across US

Published: 12-Nov-2009

For the treatment of frequent heartburn

Novartis has launched Prevacid24HR (lansoprazole delayed-release capsules 15mg/acid reducer) over-the-counter in pharmacies and retail stores across the US to treat frequent heartburn.

Prevacid24HR has received FDA approval in May 2009. It is over-the-counter (OTC) Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of frequent heartburn in its original formulation.

The company claims that Prevacid24HR prevents acid production that causes frequent heartburn pain for a full 24 hours, with one pill a day. Clinical study data shows that Prevacid24HR provides frequent heartburn sufferers more heartburn-free days and nights than placebo.

The company claims, Prevacid24HR starts working early to treat frequent heartburn and maintains its effectiveness for the full 14-day course of treatment. In two clinical trials, 88% of people who used Prevacid24HR for frequent heartburn were satisfied.

The company said that Prevacid24HR is clinically proven to work for a full 24 hours, both day and night. It is the only PPI approved for OTC treatment of frequent heartburn that contains the active ingredient lansoprazole. Prevacid24HR is expected to be available throughout the US from 12 november, 2009 onwards.

Dirk Van de Put, global head of over the counter of business unit at Novartis Consumer Health, said: "The launch of Prevacid24HR for the treatment of frequent heartburn is a milestone in the over-the-counter medicine category, expanding the treatment choices for the millions of adults who suffer from frequent heartburn. We're looking forward to providing frequent heartburn sufferers with broad access to this very effective treatment and expect the launch to drive strong incremental growth for the OTC Digestive Health category."

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