Novartis Launches OTC Proton Pump Inhibitor Prevacid

Multinational drugmaker Novartis has launched its over-the-counter (OTC) medicine Prevacid24HR (lansoprazole delayed-release capsules) in pharmacies and stores across the US to treat frequent heartburn. In 2005 Novartis acquired the rights to switch and commercialise Prevacid on the expiry of its patent in November 2009 from Japan-based drugmaker Takeda. The drug received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in May 2009 and is the only OTC proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of frequent heartburn in its original formulation - containing the active ingredient

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