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Novartis will launch the OTC proton pump inhibitor Pantoloc Control (pantoprazole 20 mg) in 14 European countries in the second quarter of 2010 under a co-marketing agreement with the product's originator Nycomed.
The deal, signed in the fourth quarter of 2009 and announced Jan. 26, is "a significant launch for us," a Novartis spokeswoman said in an email.
Novartis considers the European heartburn remedy market largely untapped. While AstraZeneca sells omeprazole OTC as Losec in some countries, the nonprescription stomach remedy market in Europe is less saturated than in the U.S.
"The market in Europe is large," she said. "Reflux symptoms, including heartburn are suffered by up to 45 percent of adults across Europe and frequent heartburn is a major burden for millions of Europeans."
Brian McNamara, European region head for Novartis OTC, said in a release, "Until now the effective treatment choices available over-the-counter were fairly limited."
Continue reading "Novartis To Launch Nycomed's PPI Pantoloc Control In 14 European Countries" »


