Gastrointestinal
Our strategic objective
We aim to maintain our strong position in gastrointestinal (GI) treatments by continuing to focus on PPIs. New Nexium line extensions include prevention of re-bleeding in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding, and prevention of low dose aspirin associated peptic ulcer. Our research and development is focused on finding new, innovative ways for treating acid reflux related disease.
- Sales of Nexium $5.2 billion, down 2%.
- Nexium submissions in the EU for the short-term maintenance of haemostasis and prevention of re-bleeding in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding following therapeutic endoscopy and in the US for use in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding following therapeutic endoscopy.
- In late 2008, a Complete Response Letter received from the FDA in connection with our Nexium submission for peptic ulcer bleeding.
- Losec/Prilosec sales $1.05 billion declining in the EU and US due to continuous generic pressure including the recent patent expiry in Italy. Overall sales down 14%; Japan sales still growing, up 5%.
- Settlement of patent litigation in the US brought by AstraZeneca against Ranbaxy, with enforceability of disputed Nexium patents conceded and an agreement for licensed sales of generic Nexium from May 2014.
- Other patent litigation continuing in the US against generic manufacturers following abbreviated new drug applications relating to Nexium.
Nexium (esomeprazole) is the first proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of acid-related diseases to offer clinical improvements over other PPIs and other treatments.
Losec/Prilosec (omeprazole) is used for the short-term and long-term treatment of acid-related diseases.
Entocort (budesonide) is a locally acting corticosteroid for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
THERAPY AREA WORLD MARKET (MAT/Q3/08)
The GI world market is valued at $39 billion, with the proton pump inhibitor market accounting for $26 billion.
In the West (ie Europe and North America combined), according to different estimates, between 10% and 20% of adults suffer from GERD. The prevalence of GERD in Asia is lower but increasing. In spite of effective treatments with PPIs, around 40% of patients do not achieve full relief from symptoms.
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